Public Issues Food Production
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Project Reports - 2008Pesticide Education ProgramProject Leader: Natalia Clifton Collaborating Faculty:
This project addressed the following UMass Extension Critical Issues:
DescriptionNatural resource-based businesses in Massachusetts need to have a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce to insure the viability of their industries. Management of pests and pesticides are important skills for these workers. In addition, farmers in Massachusetts need to maintain and improve environmental quality through integrated crop and animal management. The Pesticide Education project provided education to these industries in the areas of integrated pest management, pesticide impacts on the environment, pesticide toxicity and exposure, and the use of personal protective equipment. Activity SummaryThe Pesticide Education program conducted 19 two-day workshops to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts state pesticide exams. A total of 443 individuals attended these workshops and over 1200 pesticide exam study manuals were distributed through the UMass Extension Bookstore. In addition, the project conducted 16 pesticide recertification training workshops throughout Massachusetts. Topics covered in the workshops included pest identification, pest management, environmental fate of pesticides, pesticide exposure, personal protective equipment and pesticide laws and regulations. In addition to our standard workshops and trainings that focus on licensing and certification, lectures on pesticide exposure, pesticide toxicity, pesticide laws and regulations were also presented in undergraduate courses at UMass-Amherst. A lecture on pesticide laws and regulations, integrated pest management and pesticide toxicity was given to the UMass Winter Turf School. Finally, the Pesticide Education Program works with the New England Pest Management Network to gather information on pest management, develop crop profiles, and pest management strategic plans. Toward this end, a survey was sent to New England public and private schools. The results of the survey will be used by the New England states to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools. Results SummaryThe Pesticide Education Program used exam results provided by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to determine the exam passing rate for our pesticide exam training workshop participants. Individuals who took the workshop continue to pass at a higher rate that those who did not take the workshop. Fifty-six percent of the individuals who took the workshop passed the exam compared to a passing rate of 41% for nonparticipants. This represents a 37% difference in the passing rate between the two groups. Also, the exam passing rate of the individuals who took the workshop in 2008 has increased over those who attended the workshop in 2007. There were 223 of 396 individuals who passed the exam in 2008 compared to 274 of 512 individuals in 2007. This represents an increase passing rate of 4%. Planned outcomes and observed or measured progress
Activities, delivery mode and participants reachedNew England School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Surveys Pesticide Applicator State Exam Preparatory Workshops Pesticide recertification training Pesticide Exam Study Manual Revisions This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape plan
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