Location: Produce Safety and Microbiology Research
Project Number: 2030-42000-055-006-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2021
End Date: Jul 1, 2025
Objective:
The Cooperator will focus on understanding current challenges with agricultural water treatment and how to mitigate those challenges based on research efforts. The objectives under this area are:
Objective 1a. Stakeholder outreach
Objective 3a. Agriculture water workshops
Objective 3b. Development of fact sheets
Objective 3c. Development of online training content
Approach:
The Cooperator will work with stakeholders to provide web training for growers about food safety technologies. Specifically, surveys will be conducted as well as developing education tools and interactive hands-on training, and training of Extension agents/specialist, and evaluating grower, perception, and behaviors. A manual, Agricultural Water Treatment Best Management Practices, will be developed and evaluated in terms of its effectiveness including ease of use, understandability, and impact on selected volunteers. A short course on Water Quality/Microbiology for water treatment operators/managers will also be conducted. After 6-8 months of conducting trainings, the effectiveness of the courses and education programs will be evaluated through survey of participants/volunteers.
