Who qualifies as a private applicator in New Mexico?

The correct answer identifies farmers or ranchers as private applicators in New Mexico because private applicators are specifically defined as individuals who use restricted-use pesticides for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities on their own land or land they supervise. This category encompasses those who engage in farming or ranching activities, applying pesticides to enhance crop production or manage livestock, and is aligned with their role in agricultural operations.

In contrast, employees of commercial applicators do not qualify as private applicators as they are part of a commercial operation that applies pesticides on behalf of others. Individuals applying pesticides for public entities also do not fall under private applicator status, as their applications are typically governed by different regulations meant for public health and safety. Certified technicians working under supervision are not considered private applicators either, as their applications are part of a commercial service that employs them, again differentiating them from the personal responsibility of private pesticide application on one's own agricultural land.