Re: Master Gardeners

**C* B* <c*@twcny.rr.com>**

Hello all,
I took the MGV training in 1987 and currently serve on the Cornell  
Cooperative Extension Community Horticulture Program Work Team, which  
coordinates the MGV program in NYS. When I started, MGVs were all  
supposed to take the exam to become NYS certified pesticide  
applicators. As the state tightened up the requirements and the  
lawyers started to think about liability, that rule was dropped. Now  
the MGVs are only supposed to offer pesticide products listed in the  
current Cornell bulletins and "read the label" is recommended every  
time. Home remedies (such as baking soda or dish detergent) are  
specifically not allowed to be recommended as they have not been  
tested. Cultural recommendations are made when possible, and Cornell  
is actually quite strong in the IPM line--such a change from years ago.
In NY the name is Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) because the MG term  
was co-opted long ago by people not affiliated with Extension!
I'm proud of the NYS program and have been interested in the  
differences from state to state.
Carol Bradford
Syracuse, NY
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