Update on Special Permit Training 2017
CCE has offered NYS DEC Special Permit Training (SPT) in New York for the last 17 seasons, training over 500 farm employees in 2016. Special Permit holders are legally authorized to apply specified federal restricted use pesticides (FRUP) without the direct on-site supervision of a NYS DEC certified pesticide applicator. Special Permits are valid for one season only and must be renewed annually.
Discussions are in process between CCE and DEC to obtain approval for Special Permit training in 2017. Please stay tuned for the latest updates, and (we hope) the eventual announcement of training dates and registration information. Regarding possible dates, please contact us if you foresee a repetition of last spring's delays in the approval of H2A applications, as we will take these delays into consideration in setting dates.
EPA final regulations covering pesticide applicator certification were issued in January 2017. A few things to be aware of:
- The new regulations eliminate the provision that allows states to develop and implement Special Permit Training Programs, which will effectively cancel SPT at some point, but possibly not for another 2 or 3 years (see below).
- The prior regulations will remain in force until such time that NYS DEC develops and implements the new regulations (which may take 2-3 years).
- In the meantime, the Special Permit Training Program now falls into an uncertain state regulatory environment.
- Cornell Pesticide Management and Education Program (PMEP) specialists are reviewing the newly published regulations, and we expect to hear more details from them shortly.
- CCE staff is moving forward with SPT for 2017, but at this time we cannot be certain that an SPT program will be approved by the NYS DEC for 2017.
- The situation may become more challenging for 2018 and beyond. As stated earlier, the new regulations will not allow the issuance of Special Permits by states. This means that those farm employees who have held a Special Permit in the past will have two options: to pass the exam and become certified private applicators, or lose the ability to legally apply FRUP's without direct on-site supervision.
- The White House recently issued a statement that the implementation of all new pending federal regulations that have not already been published in the Federal Register will be placed on temporary hold for further review. The new pesticide applicator certification regulations were published in the Federal Register earlier in January but have not yet been implemented. Hence, depending on the exact legal language of the presidential directive, their current status needs further clarification.
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Upcoming Events
2026 Apple Socials
July 17, 2026 : Orleans County - Apple Social
Lyndonville, NY
Apple Socials Return for a Third Year, proudly sponsored by Valent and American Fruit Grower magazine.
July 29, 2026 : Wayne County - Apple Social
Williamson, NY
Please join us at this casual networking event for all apple industry folks from Western NY, proudly sponsored by Valent.
Cornell and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours
July 28 - July 29, 2026 : Cornell Research and Lab Testing Updates
Ithaca, NY
Join Cornell & the New York Cider Association for:
July 28 (PM) Tours and Updates on Cornell Research and Lab Testing at both Cornell Orchards in Ithaca and Lansing. There is an optional dinner at South Hill Cidery (attendees pay)
July 29 (all Day) - Annual New York Cider Summer Tour at about 5 cideries, including lunch at Finger Lakes Cider House (included in registration) . Also includes bus for the first 30 registrants.
There is a discounted hotel block at the Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University for 169.00 USD - 179.00 USD per night
Last Day to Book : Sunday, July 12, 2026
Start Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate: See Cornell and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours details below for the hotel and registration links.
Book your group rate for New York Cider Association They must enter the code: NYCNYCA in the "corporate/promo" area of your Marriott Bonvoy App if guests are making reservations through that app
Cornell Fruit Field Day
July 30, 2026
Geneva, NY
Join Cornell researchers in Geneva for Fruit Field Day, returning after 10 years, to tour research plots, learn from experts—including Dr. Terence Robinson with 40+ years in tree fruit research—and explore the latest orchard technologies and practices. At the catered lunch, network with industry, and visit sponsor displays and equipment. Our keynote speaker is Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. DEC credits available.