Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences for PSEP training include both occupational and non-occupational users of pesticides. Occupational users of pesticides include growers, green industry professionals, and pest control operators that are required trained to legally apply pesticides in NJ. For clientele seeking to become licensed commercial applicators, PSEP conducted 10 Basic CORE initial certification trainings. Five were in English with Spanish translation to enhance comprehension by those participants where English is their second language. Recertification training programs for green industry professionals were typically targeted at members of industry trade associations. This included the NJ Landscape and Nursery Association, the NJ Landscape Contractors Association, and the NJ Turfgrass Association. Recertification training programs for private applicators were typically commodity-based, and most often programmed by Extension Specialists or County Agents familiar with their growers needs. See "Outputs" for commodity groups served by PSEP provided training. Certification training for RCE Master Gardener volunteer interns is targeted at individuals seeking to assist the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public. PSEP's training for MGs was designed to meet program curricula standards and provide volunteer trainees with basic proficiency in pesticide safety and regulations. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Green Industry and Pest COntrol Operators: Pesticide applications are often required as part of commercial pest management. State regulations require DEP-approved training to be licensed to apply pesticides in NJ. PSEP CORE certification and recertification programs enable professionals to safely and legally apply pesticides as part of their job. This programming enabled more than ~7,000 persons to earn a living as commercial applicators. Growers: NJ regulations require that when pesticides are applied to an agricultural commodity, the applicator must be licensed with the DEP. New Jersey pesticide regulations are more stringent than Federal EPA. During the report period, PSEP provided regulatory outreach in State-specific requirements for private applicators. New Jersey's 1,746 licensed private applicators were empowered to comply and maintain their licenses. Master Gardeners: MGs assist RCE in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public. Training in safe and legal use of pesticides is required curriculum for all MG trainees to become certified volunteers. During the report period, training was providedto MGs trainees in 16 counties. Currently-certified MGs that attended these sessions received continuing education credits to maintain their certification. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Websites, fact sheets, training manuals and in-person talks at meeting and workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the report period, PSEP distributed 2,200 training manuals (CORE and 24 categories) to clientele via County Extension offices. PSEP provided initial (English andbi-lingual) training courses to commercial applicators. To maintain licensing, applicators must earn recertification credits within 5 yrs. PSEP conducted recertification training at key NJ stakeholder meetings in collaboration with grower/green industry assns. This included CORE presentations at the NJ Ornamental Horticulture Symposium for Landscapers and Arborists, the 2012 Atlantic Coast Agricultural Convention and Trade Show farm safety session, NJ Landscape Assn. "NJ Plants Conference", South Jersey Landscape Conference & Nursery Growers Meeting, PCO & Health Officers Annual Program, Rutgers Turf Program Field Days, NJ Xmas Tree Growers Assn. Winter and Summer Conferences, North and Central Jersey Vegetable Growers Conferences, and the North Jersey Turf & Ornamentals Institute Conference. We also provided County-based CORE recertification programming at 9 Extension offices. PSEP continued to offer online CORE recertification course at www.recert.rutgers.edu. PSEP provided applicator outreach via publications, websites, and listserv postings to County Agents and trade assns. PSEP maintained websites for pesticide applicator training and School IPM (pestmanagement.rutgers.edu; and Farm Safety (njaes.rutgers.edu/farmsafety/).
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Orton, T., Ghidiu, G., Hamilton, G., Majek, B. and Wyenandt, A. 2012. Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations for New
Jersey, 2011. Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension Publication Number E001. 326 pp.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Ward, D., Cowgill, W., Frecon, J. , Hamilton, G., Heckman, J., Lalancette, N., Majek, B. and Polk, D. 2011. New Jersey Commercial
Tree Fruit Production Guide, 2012. Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension Publication Number E002. 230 pp.
|