The Pesticide Education Program (PEP) is Maryland's lead unit for training and policy advice on use of pesticides, with minimal hazard to human and environmental health, and on related issues such as development of pesticide resistance, and genetically engineered insect-resistant crops. Maryland PEP comprises three subunits: the State NetworkProject, the Pesticide Safety Education Program, and the Agromedicine Program.

Pesticides/Pest Management Information

The Maryland InformationNetwork for Pesticides and Alternative Substances (MINPAS) is the Maryland component of the Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center. MINPAS gathers and transmits information on issues relevant to both current and transitional pest management strategies, including pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc.). The program is the primary information source for federal and state regulatory agencies and other agencies regarding use and usage of all Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics, including pesticides, in all IPM settings in the state. To achieve its objective of improving the level of knowledge, awareness, and understanding of local, state, regional, and national pest management practices, MINPAS

• gathers pest management data from researchers, Extension educators, growers, crop consultants, and pesticide users;
• analyzes these data to estimate the impacts of changes in pesticide regulations on agricultural productivity in Maryland;
• shares this information with other states in the mid-Atlantic region, the Northeast Pest Management Center, USDA, and the US EPA; and
• delivers pesticide regulatory and policy information to Extension educators, growers, crop consultants, and pesticide users in the state.

Additional Resources

• Maryland Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs
• Publications
• Resources & Links

Pesticide Applicator Training

The Maryland Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) helps occupational pesticide applicators and occasional users such as homeowners and other consumers learn to use pesticides in the safest, most effective manner to control pest infestations while protecting the health of humans and the environment.

• Applicator Training
• Registered Employee Training
• Worker Protection Standard
• Manuals & Publications
• Resources & Links

Health Professionals Outreach

Agromedicine is a partnership of medical and agricultural professionals promoting the health and safety of farm families, agricultural workers, and consumers of agricultural products. The Maryland Agromedicine Program extends the agromedicine approach to include non-agricultural populations exposed to environmental contaminants. The Maryland Agromedicine Program currently focuses on pesticides and offers workshops and educational materials for health care professionals.

• Workshops & Seminars
• Publications
• Case Studies
• Tutorials & Training
• Resources & Links