Who must be licensed as a pesticide consultant?

The requirement for licensing as a pesticide consultant primarily applies to individuals providing technical advice specifically on restricted-use pesticides. Restricted-use pesticides are those that are considered to pose a greater risk to human health or the environment and can only be used by or under the supervision of certified applicators. Therefore, anyone offering guidance or recommendations regarding the use, application, or management of these substances must be licensed to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide safe and effective advice. This regulation helps to protect both the agricultural industry and public health.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the same level of responsibility or regulatory necessity. Business owners in agriculture may or may not be directly involved in providing consultations on pesticide use. Government officials typically have different regulatory roles and are not required to be licensed as consultants specifically for pesticides. Similarly, while all agricultural workers play important roles within the industry, not all are required to have a pesticide consultant license unless they engage in providing technical advice on restricted-use pesticides.