Agriculture and Forest Environment

About Agriculture & Forest Environment

The health and vitality of our lands, waters, and communities support our way of life and economy in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment works to sustain, promote, and enhance Rhode Island's agricultural viability and preserve, manage, and promote healthy forests and community trees for today and for generations to come.

Online Portal Maintenance October 9-14

DEM's Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment offers an online portal for applications and forms, including agricultural product registrations, commercial pesticide applicators, animal health permits and licenses, and forestry applications. For more information, visit dem.ri.gov/dafe-portal

The DAFE Application Portal will be unavailable from 4 PM on Friday, October 9, to Wednesday, October 14, for system updates and improvements. During this time, users cannot access applications or submit information through the portal. Please plan ahead and submit any applications, renewals, or other portal-related transactions before 4 PM on October 9. The portal is expected to be available again on October 14.

For help with the online system, please submit a question/feedback anytime.
For programmatic questions, call (401) 222-2781 (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4 PM).

Arborist License Exams

This month's arborist licensing exam will be held on Friday, October 30. Submit exam applications through the DAFE Application Portal. If you wish to reserve space during the portal maintenance window, please contact Beth Bannar at elizabeth.bannar.ctr@dem.ri.gov

Pesticide Applicator Licenses and Certificates

Beginning with the 2027 renewal period, DEM will enforce the established renewal deadlines and the 60-day grace periods for pesticide license and certificate holders. All licensed and certified private and commercial pesticide applicators must submit their renewal application by the statutory deadline. Please note that renewals become active 60 days before the deadline and are not available in the system until the renewal period starts.

We encourage pesticide license and certificate holders to plan ahead to complete their renewals in the DAFE Application Portal by the applicable deadline.

Private Certified Applicators: Renewal period expected to start November 1; Expires December 31; grace period ends March 1
Certified Commercial Applicators: Renewal period expected to start December 2; Expires January 31; grace period ends April 1
Licensed Commercial Applicators: Renewal period expected to start December 30; Expires February 28; grace period ends April 30
Pesticide Dealer’s License: Renewal period expected to start December 30; Expires February 28; grace period ends April 30

Applicators who do not submit a renewal application by the end of the 60-day grace period from their credential expiration date will lose their certification and must retake the certification exam to regain certification.