Progress 09/15/00 to 09/14/05
Outputs
In summarizing the project Reducing Microbial Hazards through Farm Worker Education, there are several significant achievements that were achieved. Surveying farm workers and conducting focus groups with them revealed information that was pertinent in the development of educational materials for this project. Workers candidly shared their feelings and opinions that provided insight and understanding so that issues of concern to them could be addressed in educational programs. Examples that highlight how this information was translated into educational materials include the hygiene poster that describes how to properly dispose of used toilet paper and the photo novel regarding proper food preparation practices. Farm workers directly impacted the design and completion of educational materials produced over the five year project. Another significant achievement of the project is the broad scope of materials that resulted. Educational materials were not only created for
farm workers who work in the produce industry but also for their children and family members. These materials focused on staying healthy and preventing foodborne illnesses through proper hygiene and food preparation. In some cases, attempting to meet the needs of the audience resulted in novel solutions. A coloring book designed for children of farm workers was packaged in a clear vinyl envelope with a bar of soap, a washcloth and a package of crayons. This packet allows the recipient to color the book as well as practice the proper hand washing steps outlined within the book. In total, nine separate publications were created encompassing posters, booklets, video, coloring book, and photo novels. Throughout the entire project, collaboration with many different individuals and groups was the key to success. Through collaboration with National GAPs Collaborators, the New York Migrant Education Outreach Programs and the Ohio Migrant Education Center, educational materials were reviewed,
edited, and distributed throughout the U.S. In every case, more materials were requested then were available suggesting the materials were filling a need and were desirable materials in each region. There were several important lessons that were learned over the duration of this project. In one instance, Hmong farmers were identified as possible end users. Initially, an attempt to translate a GAPs booklet was initiated, but it was soon realized that Hmong growers prefer verbal communication. In response to this information, the successful GAPs worker training video available in both English and Spanish was translated into Hmong so that the information could be conveyed verbally. Overall, Reducing Microbial Hazards through Farm Worker Education prioritized collaboration and direct input from farm workers to create and distribute educational materials that improve farm worker understanding of how to maintain good health and practice proper hygiene. Healthy, informed farm workers
practice important work habits such as proper hand washing that directly impact the safety of the fruits and vegetables they handle during harvest and packing.
Impacts
Producing educational materials that highlight the important role of farm workers in the production of safe, wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables is one way to assist farm workers with recognizing how they impact produce food safety. Understanding the importance of proper hand washing and good personal hygiene allows farm workers to protect their own health and play an active role in an on-farm food safety program. In the production of educational materials, it is important to understand worker literacy, cultural sensitivities, and other cultural issues to create effective teaching tools. By utilizing farm worker focus groups and field-testing educational materials, the thoughts and opinions of these workers have been gathered and incorporated into GAPs publications. The impact of having farm workers actively participate in the development and testing of educational materials has improved the understanding of the challenges and cultural norms that directly impact
health and hygiene habits. Developing effective educational materials that increase farm worker understanding and implementation of proper hygiene practices will reduce microbial risks to the fruits and vegetables they harvest and pack.
Publications
- Auger, S., and Colindres, M. (Editors: Bihn, E.A., Gravani, R.B., Embrey, K.). 2005. Did You Know? Your Kitchen could be a source of illness (English and Spanish). National Good Agricultural Practices Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
- Auger, S., and Colindres, M. (Editors: Bihn, E.A., Gravani, R.B., Embrey, K.). 2005. Did You Know? In the Field there is a need for Hygiene too (English and Spanish)! National Good Agricultural Practices Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
- Auger, S., Colindres, M., Bihn, E.A., Gravani, R.B., Embrey, K. 2005. Good Hygiene Protects Everyone (English and Spanish)! National Good Agricultural Practices Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
- Bihn, E.A., Scott, D.L., Gravani, R.B., Rosberg, K. 2005. Fun Fruit & Very Vegetable Tour Coloring Book (English and Spanish). National Good Agricultural Practices Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
The following year supported by a no-cost extension has allowed for the completion of many in progress publications and projects. The materials having the biggest impact on farm workers are the worker training video entitled Fruits, Vegetables, and Food Safety: Health and Hygiene on the Farm (Frutas, Hortalizas ye la Seguridad de los Alimentos: Salud e Higiene en el Campo) and the Spanish translation of Food Safety Begins on the Farm: A Growers Guide (La Seguridad de los Alimentos Empieza en el Campo: Una Guia para el Productor). The translation of this very important booklet finally makes the content available to workers in their native language. The 15-minute video available in English and Spanish in both VHS and DVD formats covers health and hygiene issues that directly effect farm workers in the fields and packinghouses. It emphasizes their importance and their role in protecting their own health as well as preventing the contamination of fruits and vegetables
they harvest and pack. The video was tested in focus groups with farm workers and growers and edited to modify both format and content changes suggested by these constituents. In August 2004 at the 91st Annual International Association for Food Protection, a presentation on farm worker hygiene and the availability of field toilets and handwashing facilities was presented. In addition, the training video was screened by researchers and extension personnel to publicize its availability. Educational materials still in progress include a photo-novela series and a coloring book for farm worker children. The photo-novela series is well underway with two of the three scripts written with photos. Field testing is about to commence and final direction of the third script is under review due to comments from focus group participants. A first draft of the coloring book is complete and organization of the field testing is underway. Both of these projects will be complete by the Summer of 2005. In
addition to these two projects, a packinghouse sanitation video is being planned in cooperation with the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The farm worker training video has been very successful but is focused on field related issues in addition to the focus on worker health and hygiene. There is a need for a training video that addresses issues specific to packinghouse practices because they present different challenges and resources.
Impacts
Producing educational materials that highlight the important role of farm workers in the production of safe, wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables is one way to assist farm workers with recognizing how they impact produce food safety. Understanding the importance of proper handwashing and good personal hygiene allows farm workers to protect their own health and play an active role in an on-farm food safety program. In the production of educational materials, it is important to understand worker literacy and cultural issues to create effective teaching tools. By utilizing focus groups and field testing educational materials, farm worker thoughts and opinions have been gathered and incorporated into these GAPs educational materials. The impact of having farm workers actively participate in the development and testing of educational materials has been an increased understanding of challenges and cultural norms that directly impact health and hygiene habits. Developing
effective educational materials that increase farm worker understanding and implementation of proper hygiene practices will reduce microbial risks to the fruits and vegetables they harvest and pack.
Publications
- Bihn, EA and Gravani, RB. 2004. Grower and Farm Worker Surveys Highlight the Need for Personal Hygiene Training Programs in the Proceedings of International Association for Food Protections Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ (T39). Meeting abstract.
- Bihn, EA and Gravani, RB. 2004. Fruits, Vegetables, and Food Safety: Health and Hygiene on the Farm. DVD/VHS video for worker training.
- Bihn, EA, Rangarajan, A., Gravani, RB, Scott, DS, Pritts, MP, and Vidal, JR. 2004. La Seguridad de los Alimentos Empieza en el Campo: Una Guia para el Productor. A 32-page extension booklet.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
In October 2003 at the 16th Annual East Coast Migrant Stream Forum, a workshop entitled Reducing Microbial Risks through Farm Worker Education was conducted. At this workshop, our farm worker training video was evaluated and basic goals of the National Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Program's farm worker education program were discussed with health outreach workers. In addition to this national presentation, other sessions to evaluate the completed farm worker training video have been conducted with farm worker and grower focus groups. A standardized evaluation form available in both Spanish and English was utilized to evaluate the length, content, and overall acceptability of the video to both workers and supervisors. In order to address suggestions and comments from these focus groups, the video is still being modified with a completion date scheduled for March 2004. A no-cost extension has provided the additional time to complete this project as well as the
writing and publication of refereed journal articles that will summarize the farm worker survey that was conducted in the summer of 2002. The Spanish translation of Food Safety Begins on the Farm: A Grower's Guide has been re-translated and is in the final editing process. The translation of this document has been very difficult and highlights the diverse nature of the written Spanish language. It also highlights the importance of collaboration with colleagues in multiple countries with expertise in multiple disciplines in order to complete a complex, yet simply written document that explains the importance and implementation of good agricultural practices. A third poster in the field hygiene series has been completed showing the proper disposal of used toilet paper. The proper disposal of toilet paper is not obvious to many foreign workers who assist in producing, harvesting, and packing fresh fruits and vegetables because they come from countries where toilet use does not permit
toilet paper to be deposited into the toilet. It is a very important issue because it helps prevent fecal material from being introduced into the field and this information can then be followed with an emphasis on proper hand washing. All three field hygiene posters are introduced in the farm worker training video and thus reinforce initial training for a more comprehensive worker training and education program that promotes worker health.
Impacts
Producing educational materials that highlight the important role of farm workers in the production of safe, wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables is one way to assist farm workers with recognizing how they impact produce food safety. Understanding the importance of proper handwashing and good personal hygiene allows farm workers to protect their own health and play an active role in an on-farm food safety program.
Publications
- Gravani, RB, and Bihn, EA. 2003. A Survey to Determine Field and Packinghouse Hygiene Practices in New York in the Proceedings of International Association for Food Protections Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (T32).
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
In the summer of 2002, an oral survey of workers who harvest and pack fresh fruits and vegetables was conducted in New York State by visiting farms, migrant worker camps, clinics, and other venues frequented by workers. The objective of this study was to determine worker understanding of personal hygiene practices including proper hand washing and toilet use, and to assess the current status of sanitary facilities on farms and in packing houses in New York. A total of 689 surveys were collected between June and September 2002, and were coded and analyzed. Workers from over 14 countries participated in the survey with 87 percent being male and 13 percent female, and the largest percentage (37 percent) being between 15-24 years of age. The survey was completed in Spanish by 87 percent of the workers, 4.8 percent were completed in Haitian Creole, while 7.8 percent were completed in English. The survey instrument contained forty questions and initial analyses of the
responses highlights educational areas that need to be addressed. When field workers were asked if toilets are available in the field within one quarter mile of their work, 71.5 percent responded always or most of the time. About 83 percent said they used these facilities but 44.8 percent of the workers responded that used toilet paper should be disposed of in a trash can which indicates that further education is needed to explain proper use of toilet facilities. Two posters that depict proper hand washing and toilet use were completed this year and an additional poster that addresses proper disposal of toilet paper is planned. The issue of proper toilet paper disposal is important because most portable toilets do not have trash cans inside which results in used toilet paper being left on the floor to be tracked into the fields on boots thereby transmitting fecal material directly to the field. A farm worker training video that was taped in California and New York as part of this
project also addresses the proper use of toilet facilities through animation. This video has been through the initial editing stage and should be completed by June 2003. In addition to these farm worker educational materials, a script for a coloring book designed for children of farm workers has been completed and is currently being reviewed for content and cultural relevance. This review process is crucial to material development because many workers do not speak English and are from different countries. The original translation of Food Safety Begins on the Farm into Spanish has to be redone because reviewers commented that the translation was not appropriate because it translated literally not figuratively which made it ineffective. This Spanish translation will be completed, edited, and printed this year. The entire farm worker educational program will be submitted as a workshop to be presented at the East Coast Migrant Stream Forum and other relevant venues will be sought so that
the program materials can be effectively distributed to farm workers and their families.
Impacts
People can contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables with human pathogens and several U.S. produce-associated outbreaks have resulted from this source of contamination. Since farm workers handle many raw produce commodities, the National GAPs Program is developing an effective educational program specifically for farm workers to empower them to prevent contamination through proper hygiene practices and maintaining their own health.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
A grower and farm worker survey to determine portable toilet and handwashing facility availability on New York produce farms is currently being developed. This survey will be conducted during the summer and fall of 2002. It will include two interviewers in three regions of New York for a total of 6 interviewers throughout the state. The information obtained will be used to determine if portable toilet and handwashing facilities are available for farm workers in New York produce fields and if these facilities are maintained. It will also determine if workers choose to utilize provided facilities. This survey will also gather information regarding farm worker training and whether New York growers are actively involved in training farm workers about the importance of good hygiene for ensuring produce safety. This information will be used to design a farm worker training program that will be made available to growers. The results of the survey will be incorporated into
presentations to educate growers and workers about the importance of providing portable toilets and handwashing facilities and the importance of using these facilities properly. Materials designed to date include a set of educational posters, translation of a good agricultural practices (GAPs) booklet into Spanish, and translation of a GAPs pamphlet into Spanish and Chinese. The educational posters depict proper handwashing techniques and use of portable toilets in the field. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to farm workers, growers, industry, academics, and government personnel to gather feedback about the efficacy and appropriateness of the posters. Currently, the posters are being modified to address ideas gathered in this process. Upon completion, the posters will be distributed to GAPs collaborators, growers, and industry personnel. These posters are intended to support a good agricultural practices training program that addresses the importance of proper hygiene to
reduce microbial risks to fruits and vegetables. The GAPs booklet, Food Safety Begins on the Farm: A Grower's Guide has been translated into Spanish. It will be edited and printed in this year. The GAPs pamphlet, Reduce Microbial Risk with GAPs has been translated and printed in Spanish. The Chinese translation of the pamphlet is complete and it will be edited and printed this year. In addition to these materials, three storylines have been written to support development of a photo-novella series for farm workers entitled Food Safety Begins on the Farm: Keeping our Food and Families Safe.
Impacts
Information gathered directly from growers and farm workers is focusing the development of a comprehensive training program that is effective and functional. Language barriers and cultural differences are being taken into account to make the implementation of these training programs a reality.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Meetings with personnel involved with farm worker education programs in New York State have been conducted and the development of culturally appropriate educational materials is underway. Currently, a video tape script on personal hygiene for farm workers has been completed and taping will begin in the near future.
Impacts
The impact of this project is to provide farm workers with information about their important role in reducing microbial hazards in raw fruits and vegetables.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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