Producers seeking hand weeding variance can apply online

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has established an application process for agricultural employers seeking a variance certificate to allow for more than the “occasional and intermittent hand weeding” (defined in statute as greater than 20% of a worker’s weekly work time). 

Employers who do not anticipate that hand weeding will take more than 20% of their workers’ time do not need to apply for the variance. 

The variance certificate applies to agricultural employers seeking organic certification within a three-year period or employers who are able to establish that the hand weeding does not require prolonged and unnecessary stooping, kneeling or squatting and does not create a risk of acute, chronic or debilitating injuries; and that there is no suitable long-handled tool or other alternative means of performing the work. 

Producers who fall under one of the following exemptions do not need a hand weeding variance certificate.

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