The state’s crop dusting association said that it is pleased with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s final agency order to dismiss action against three of its members’ businesses.

“CAAA members are all highly trained professional applicators who strive for perfect applications on every flight. Our member’s professionalism was well demonstrated by the evidence entered in each of these three unfortunate cases,” said Jessica Freeman, executive director of the Colorado Agricultural Aviation Association.

In its statement, the association explained that three cases from 2012 and 2014 alleged the unsafe application of pesticides. However, a 2019 administrative hearing found “appropriate care in planning and performing the pesticide application.”

The association’s statement noted that “the three applicators involved were forced to spend an inordinate amount of time and money defending against these spurious complaints.” 

The state Department of Agriculture regulates the distribution and use of pesticides. It administers the exams for applicator licenses and inspects applicator businesses. The department also enforces federal laws protecting agriculture workers and handlers from exposure to pesticides. Cease and desist letters, civil penalties and final agency orders regarding administrative judges’ decisions are among the actions the department can take against violations.