The Montana Dept. of Agriculture is offering a free informative meeting on the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) and the 2015 revisions to the standard for Cherry Growers, Orchardists, and other Agricultural Producers: EPA has revised the 1992 Worker Protection Standard regulation to increase protection from pesticide exposure for the nation's two million agricultural workers and their families. These changes are intended to afford farmworkers similar health protections that are already afforded to workers in other industries while taking into account the unique working environment of many agricultural jobs.

Kima Caddell, MDA Specialist, will present an overview of the new requirements, timelines for implementation and enforcement of the new WPS, availability of new materials, and will specifically address the areas that may require the most adjustment for growers and other agriculture employers: respiratory protection requirements, Application Exclusion Zones (AEZs), and requirements for recordkeeping of applications and employee training.