By Scout Nelson
Growing media are essential in greenhouse production because they support plant growth, water retention, and nutrient availability. However, some growing media products now contain ingredients or claims that place them under pesticide regulation. Understanding these requirements helps greenhouse operators stay compliant, protect workers, and avoid legal issues.
A pesticide is defined as any substance or mixture intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or reduce pests. This includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, disinfectants, sanitizers, antimicrobials, and plant regulators. If a growing media product claims to control pests or regulate plant growth, it may be legally classified as a pesticide.
The easiest way to determine whether a growing media product is a pesticide is by checking the label. If the label includes the term “EPA Reg. No.”, the product is federally registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Producers must follow all label instructions carefully because pesticide labels are legal documents.
Safe handling practices are extremely important. Users must follow directions related to personal protective equipment (PPE), mixing, application, storage, and disposal. Following label instructions is not only important for safety but also required by law. Using a pesticide in a way that does not match its labeling is a violation of federal law.
Some pesticide products include an “Agricultural Use Requirements” box on the label. These products fall under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), which applies to agricultural sites including greenhouses. Employers must provide PPE, follow restricted-entry intervals, offer annual safety training, notify workers about treated areas, maintain records, and provide decontamination supplies such as water, soap, towels, and eyewash stations when required.
Compliance is monitored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which conducts inspections to ensure rules are followed. Common violations include missing safety training, improper PPE use, poor recordkeeping, and lack of worker notification.
For additional guidance, greenhouse operators can review the Worker Protection Standard regulations webpage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-seventyfour
Categories: Minnesota, General, Sustainable Agriculture