The ABCs of MRLs - Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs): Growing Issue for Ag Exports [2026]

OVERVIEW

Western Farm Press is pleased to sponsor The ABCs of MRLs CEU course. American agriculture exports 20 to 30 percent of its production annually. With many crops, like the specialty crops grown in California, the percentage of exports can be much higher. Like almonds, for example - more than 70 percent of this important California crop is exported annually. Although the pesticide registration process in the U.S. establishes acceptable pesticide residue levels for products used in the U.S., many foreign governments are increasing oversight and testing of imported food items for possible pesticide residues. When recommending and applying pest management products for crops, licensed Pest Control Advisers (PCAs), Certified Crop Advisers, consultants, applicators and farmers in the U.S. must be sure products applied are in compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by the governments of foreign customers. Failure to meet MRLs could be the loss of shipments and customers at considerable expense.

Course Features

Lectures 5
Questions 20
Duration 1 h (approx)

COURSE OUTLINE
- Tolerance/MRLs
  
  13 min.
- GAP and Groups
  
  8 min.
- Setting MRLs
  
  23 min.
- MRL Summary
  
  8 min.
- Websites and Databases
  
  4 min.

CREDIT INFORMATION

This course is accredited by:

California Department of Pesticide Regulation (1 hour Other)
Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Accredited in U.S. and Canada (1 hour Crop Management)
Florida Department of Agriculture (1 CEU General Standards/Core)
Georgia Department of Agriculture (1 Commercial Credit, Category 21, 1 Private, Category 10)
Hawaii Department of Agriculture (1 CEU, Private 1, Commercial 1a, 10)
Idaho Department of Agriculture (1 Hour)
Maryland Department of Agriculture (2 Credits, Category 1A)
Michigan Department of Agriculture (1 Credit 1A, 1B, 1C, AE, Priv CORE)
Nevada Department of Agriculture (1 CEU Laws)
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (1 unit Core, 1A and PP2) *Due to a recent change in NJ rules, in order to receive credit, NJ licensees must submit a photo of themselves holding their license, with the course open on their computer behind them. Send to [email protected]*
New Mexico Department of Agriculture (1 Credit: General, PRAP)
Oregon Department of Agriculture (1 Credit, Other)
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (2 credits: 00)
Tennessee Department of Agriculture (1 Hour in C01, C10, C12)
Texas Department of Agriculture (1 CEU L&R)
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (1 CEU in Use)
Washington Departement of Agriculture (Credit: Max: 1)
West Virginia Department of Agriculture (2 credits in Categories 1, 11, 12 and PA)

This course is accredited for licensing categories: PCAs, Qualified Applicators, Private Applicators, Aerial Applicators, and County Permit Holders.

CONTRIBUTORS

Our thanks go to the following individuals for assistance in developing and providing expert review of this course: Bob Ehn, California Specialty Crops Council; Dr. Gabriele Ludwig, Associate Director, Environmental Affairs Almond Board of California; Marcy Martin, Director of Trade Services, California Grape & Tree Fruit League; Dr. Richard Carver, Registration Manager, DuPont Agricultural Products; and Cindy Baker, Exigent/Gowan Co.

The following materials and sources also were consulted: