NJGIC Recommendations on meeting NJ Fertilizer Certification Requirements! Its the law: You must be certified to professionally apply fertilizers in NJ - Effective now! Six (6) simple steps to get started (see right panel); NJGIC FAQ's- Top 5 frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about the law requirements (see below). Visit NJGIC web site  for more FAQ's on fertilizer certification; Rutgers FACT SHEET about the fertilizer certification program requirements available online on NJGIC web site or Rutgers Web site.(http://profact.rutgers.edu). Golf course superintendents must be certified- BUT are exempt from certain aspects fo the NJ Fertilizer Law.   Top 5 FAQ'S: 1. Why does this law exist? This law came about because of concern for water quality issues in the state; exagerated perceptions about the role of lawn fertilizers in water pollution. View bill at New Jersey Legislature website: (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp)   2.  Who needs to be Certified / Trained? All professionals (including golf course superintendants) that offer services to apply fertilizer must be certified. Any one that applies fertilizer under the direct supervision of a certified fertilizer appliatior must be trained.  3. What is the cost to take the exam and what is the cost for trainng module review?  There a no fee to access the online training module. The training modules are free to review. Only when you wish to take the exam is a fee  of $ 75.00 required.  It is a one- time fee to take the Fertilizer Certification Exam. The web site system will allow you to take the exam 2 times. If additional attempts are required you must contact the administrators for special of the website for permission of additional exam attempts. Annual renewal fees of $ 25 for 5 years also required. 4. What are the penalties? 1st offense is $ 500/day; 2nd offense is $ 1000 /day. It is important to note that fines can accumulate for each day offense continues. 5. Who can enforce? There are many agencies that MAY enforce the fertilizer law including: Local municipalities, Local Health agencies, Local SCS districts, county agencies and the state. It is anticipated that municipalities with strong activist communities and water quality issues will be the most diligent in enforcement. Key word is 'MAY' enforce. (See side panel for more information aobut municipal fertilizer ordinances.)

Fertilizer Certification SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED! Log onto website: http://profact.rutgers.edu   Register your information to open free access online training modules. Carefully enter code provided at end of registration; Review the training modules (free); Pay fee $ 75 to take the exam; Take the exam: Up to 2x. (Additional testing by special permission via Rutgers) Receive verification as 'Certified Fertilizer Applicator': (Your name will be added to the online list of 'Certified Fertilzer Applicators 'and you will receive via email a card you can print out).   What you need to know about Municipal Fertilizer Ordinances:  Some are unaware of the State Fertilizer PreEmption Law and are still charging local  fees!  NJGIC has recently become aware that some NJ municipaliteis are unaware of the new Fertilizer pre-emption bill and are continuing to request Commercial Fertilizer Application Licensing and Fees!  SO Far NJGIC has been notified that the following municipalities are seeking fees for their local fertilizer laws and need to be informed of the current state law: West Milford Parsippany If you are aware of other municipalites that need to be contacted and updated about our states pre-emptive fertilizer law, please contact NJGIC.  Send us an email  (nancy.sadlon@NJGIC.org) Cell Phone: 908/ 334-3361  Office Phone:  732 563 -9252

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Who Do We Represent?
The NJGIC represents, promotes and defends the interests of our Green Industry partners through legislative lobbying efforts, education and public relations on both the state and local level.
These efforts are coordinated with, and are an extension to, various national industry trade associations such as RISE, PLANET, CROPLIFE and Project Evergreen.