The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed implementation of the Pesticide Applicators rule for 12 months. Iowa Farm Bureau Environmental Policy Advisor Rick Robinson says that’s positive in it will give states time to get up to speed on the rule.

He says state plans must be approved by EPA. However, Robinson says it will be easier for Iowa to come into compliance than some other states.

Robinson says the rule will have significant requirements for applicators and the states themselves.

The Pesticide Applicators rule establishes a minimum age of 18 and stricter training requirements, for people who apply restricted use pesticides. Prior to the 12-month extension, the rule was set to go into effect May 22 of this year.