The commissioner of agriculture has the power and duty to carry out the provisions of this article and is authorized to:
(a) Delegate to employees of the Department of Agriculture the authority vested in the commissioner by virtue of the provisions of this article;
(b) Cooperate, receive grants in aid and enter into agreements with any other agency of the state, the United States Department of Agriculture, United States environmental protection agency or any other federal agency or any other state or agency thereof for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this article;
(c) Contract for research projects;
(d) Require that pesticides used in this state are adequately tested and are safe for use under local conditions;
(e) Require that individuals who sell, store, dispose or apply pesticides are adequately trained and observe appropriate safety practices;
(f) Promulgate rules pursuant to chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Licensing of businesses that sell, store, recommend for use, mix or apply pesticides;