Purpose: To assist urban-gro’s clients in the process of obtaining an Operator Identification Number (OIN) which is required going forward to purchase pesticides.
What is an OIN?
An OIN, also known as an Operator ID or Grower ID, is an identification number that is strictly used for the management of pesticide use data. It functions as a way for local and state government entities to collect information and regulate the ways in which pesticides are used on all agricultural commodities. Given the recent vote of approval for the cultivation of recreational-use Cannabis in California, commercial and medical marijuana growers must now adhere to similar regulations followed by other commercial cultivators in the agricultural industry. The law allows for anyone to apply for, and receive, an Operator ID if they produce an agricultural commodity. As a provider of pesticides, urban-gro is required to obtain and report OINs for pesticide sales.1
Need for an OIN2
An Operator ID must be obtained by the property owner or property operator, from each local County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in which the operator intends to perform pest control, before any of the following (3CCR Section 6622 B):
- Purchase and use pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity
- Purchase and use of Restricted Materials described in 3CCR Section 6400 (not allowed on Cannabis crops)
- Post-harvest commodity treatment with pesticides
- Use of pesticides listed in 3CCR Section 6800 relating to Ground Water Protection
How to Obtain an Operator ID
An Operator ID is obtained through your local County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. If you are unsure of your county, you can search by your zip code or city/town and state here.
If you know your county, you may either click on the interactive map (linked below) or on the list beside it to reach your county's Agricultural Commissioner's website where you may obtain contact information including phone number and address here.
If Cannabis cultivation is approved in your county, your county will assist you in the necessary steps to apply for an Operator ID.
Monthly Pesticide Use Reports (PUR)3
It is required for the operator of the property producing an agricultural commodity to report the use of pesticides applied to the commodity or site to the commissioner of the county in which the pest control was performed by the 10th day of the month following that in which the work was performed. If mailed, the postmark shall be the date of delivery for the report. If the county has no commissioner, the report shall be submitted to the Director of the Department of Pesticide Regulations. Reports must be on a DPR form or format approved by the Director. The PUR site code for marijuana is: Code 70 - Marijuana. This report must be retained by the property operator for a minimum of TWO YEARS and be available in the event of an inspection by the Department of Pesticide Regulation or County Agricultural Commissioner.
Property operators are EXEMPT from having to submit a use report if the PUR is reported to the commissioner by an agricultural pest control business. In the case that a pest control business submits the report, the property operator must be issued a copy of the report from the pest control business within 30 days of the completion of the pesticide application. This report must be retained by the property operator for a minimum of TWO YEARS and be available in the event of an inspection by the Department of Pesticide Regulation or County Agricultural Commissioner.
Counties encourage the free submission of Pesticide Use Reports through here.
Operator ID Renewal
The Operator ID, issued from the commissioner, shall be valid for a specified period, not to exceed 36 months, as stated in 3CCR Section 6622. Fees, renewals, and record keeping requirements may vary between counties.
Other references include:
- Operator Identification Numbers - Frequently Asked Questions
- DPR Enforcement Letters to Counties - Marijuana Grower OINs
1 California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, Sections 6622 and 6562
2 California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, Section 6622
3 California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 6, Section 6626
