Frequently Asked Questions

First time applicants for farmer truck certificates can complete this fillable PDF application. We cannot meet with you one-on-one, as we normally would, but please do not hesitate to call our office at 609-265-5050 for assistance when filling out this form for the first time, as you will ultimately need the signature of our county agricultural agent.

We continue to process truck certificates. When you receive the renewal application for your truck certificate in the mail, please fill it out and promptly mail it back. This will be the easiest and most effective way to receive a certificate. We are asking everyone to do their part in making 2021 renewals as easy as possible.

Under the Permit Extension Act signed by NJ Governor Murphy on July 1, 2020 the term of certain governmental permits, approvals, and deadlines (including water certification permits) that were due to expire on March 9, 2020, or the specified period following it, were extended. An official request for an extension via a NJDEP website was required for approval of the COVID-19 extension period by October 8, 2020. On behalf of the holders of the 613 agricultural water permits across the state with expiration dates from 2020 through 2024 permit extension requests were submitted by RCE administration working with NJDA, NJDEP and RCE Agricultural Agents. Growers who currently hold an ag water permit and a valid email address should have received an auto-generated email from the NJDEP website once their information was uploaded confirming a permit extension request. If the permit holder had no email on record, ANR emails were included and the county RCE faculty or staff member received the confirmation email.

So, what does this mean to growers? If you have a water permit set to expire during the time frame you will have a permit extension. You are encouraged to submit your renewals to our office for processing. You can call the office with any questions concerning your renewal. Unfortunately, with our offices closed to the public we cannot have face-to-face meetings regarding permit renewals.

Our office continues to operate and continues to provide services. We have transitioned the vestibule in our building into a pick-up and drop off area. The vestibule has a drop off box for samples. In the vestibule you will find truck certificate applications. There is an intercom should you need to speak with us. Press #2 on the intercom, then press ‘call’. Respond to the office manager by holding ‘talk’ as you reply. There is also plenty of hand sanitizer in the vestibule as well. It is best to call ahead to the office and we will assist in any way possible.

Soil test kits are not currently available for purchase at our office. Visit the Rutgers Soil Testing Lab website for instructions on how to collect a representative sample using a trowel/spade and bucket. Place sample in a zip-top sandwich bag then mail the sample to the lab with the completed soil test questionnaire (PDF) and your payment information.

Our office continues to operate and continues to provide services. We have transitioned the vestibule in our building into a pick-up and drop off area. The vestibule has a drop off box for samples. In the vestibule you will find truck certificate applications. There is an intercom should you need to speak with us. Press #2 on the intercom, then press ‘call’. Respond to the office manager by holding ‘talk’ as you reply. There is also plenty of hand sanitizer in the vestibule as well. It is best to call ahead to the office and we will assist in any way possible.

Pesticide manuals can be purchased on-line through the Rutgers University Office of Continuing Studies.

The NJDEP issued an alert on September 28, 2020 stating that anyone whose 5-year license recertification cycle ends prior to October 31, 2021 is eligible to earn 100% of their CEUs through online programming. Check the NJAES events calendar for opportunities to earn CEUs. If your license expires after this date, you may only earn 25% of your CEUs online. For the most up-to-date information from the NJDEP Bureau of Licensing and Registrations, check the Bureau of Licensing & Registrations page.

The NJDEP issued an alert on November 20, 2020 stating that all pesticide certification exams will be offered exclusively online through the Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education. Visit the new online portal to schedule an exam. Remote proctoring will be utilized to uphold the NJDEP exam standards and security. Check the
Bureau of Licensing & Registrationswebsite for the most up-to-date information..

The NJDEP issued an alert on November 12, 2020 stating that delivery of paper licenses through the mail has been delayed due to staff limitations associated with the pandemic. It is anticipated that paper licenses may take 6–8 weeks for delivery. Until your actual license is received, you must print and maintain a copy of the status of your payment and license. You may access this information online . For the most up-to-date information from the NJDEP Bureau of Licensing and Registrations, check the Bureau of Licensing & Registrations page.

Please do not report spotted lanternfly sightings in Burlington County. Our county is already quarantined, meaning infestations are known to be widespread and reporting is no longer necessary. Visit the NJ Department of Agriculture website dedicated to Spotted Lanternfly for more information on this invasive pest and its distribution.

Information on recommended chemical control options for SLF is available on the NJ Department of Agriculture website dedicated to this invasive pest.

Please note that spotted lanternfly is an emerging pest in our region and targeted sprays are limited to those insecticides which have been issued a 2(ee) label for emergency use in New Jersey. It is your responsibility to ensure targeted control of spotted lanternfly is done only with products where this invasive pest is listed as a target pest. You are also responsible for printing and maintaining a copy of the 2(ee) label amendment with your spray records. Recall that the label is the law and, as the pesticide applicator, it is your responsibility to follow the safety precautions and application instructions indicated on the pesticide label.

Complementary strategies include removing and destroying spotted lanternfly at all life stages, removing host trees, installing tree traps, and inspecting your vehicle for potential SLF hitchhikers. For information on these strategies, visit the NJ Department of Agriculture website on spotted lanternfly.