PERRY COUNTY — In-person private applicator training will be held at the Mississippi State Perry County Extension Office on March 31 at 9 a.m. The course is for initial certification or recertification for a private applicator license. 

A private applicator license is required to purchase and use limited-use pesticides in Mississippi. 

Brittany Odum, an Extension agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said participants will learn proper pesticide handling and safety measures, including the use of gloves, masks and other protective equipment. 

The training is conducted through the Bureau of Plant Industry, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. 

A new training format has been introduced, and the session will run through the early afternoon. Lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided. 

Participants are asked to register by March 23, but those still interested can call to check for available space or learn about future training opportunities. 

The cost to attend is $60 per person, and payment is accepted by check or money order only. 

“Anybody is welcome to come. They can call our office and sign up to come take the training if they’re interested in getting a license,” Odum said. 

An online version of the course is available for those unable to attend in person. For more information, call 601-964-3668.