Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
In this Collaborative Education and Training project, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota food safety professionals will develop and implement innovative, accessible, and culturally appropriate food safety training for diverse produce growers. This project brings together university research and extension professionals with food safety expertise and a proven track record of collaboration. The team will utilize innovative augmented reality (AR) tools to provide produce safety training for produce growers based on the principles of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.AR allows for an on-farm experience and provides an open-access information resource without the additional travel time, expense, or potential health exposure of a large gathering. Specifically, for underserved growers, this technology serves as a vital educational tool. These growers can instantly receive context-specific guidance, such as identifying microbial risks, and suggested corrective actions. Immediate access to information can significantly mitigate the challenges posed by limited resources or geographical isolation, fostering a more equitable distribution of produce safety knowledge. The project objectives are to: 1) Strengthen and grow a multi-state partnership of food safety educators focused on produce safety that is guided by a comprehensive needs assessment.?2) Develop augmented reality (AR) resources in English and other languages for produce growers. 3)?Provide AR trainings and technical assistance to produce growers to improve on-farm produce safety practices.?4) Evaluate and compare grower trainee engagement and transfer and retention of knowledge using two methods of teaching (lecture and AR).? 5) Communicate project outcomes with state and national partners.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
100%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
The overarching goal of this Collaborative Education and Training Project is to improve understanding of produce safety best practices and compliance with the FSMA PSR, particularly with this key audience of growers in KS, MO, and SD. We will achieve this by creating and implementing innovative augmented reality (AR) educational resources on produce safety topics for produce growers through a multi-state collaboration with other universities, extension personnel, and organizations that serve these farmers.We will achieve this by creating and implementing innovative educational resources on identified produce safety topics (through a needs assessment) for growers through a multi-state collaboration with other universities, extension personnel, and organizations that serve farmers.?To achieve this long-term goal, we have identified five supporting objectives:Strengthen and grow a multi-state partnership of food safety educators focused on produce safety, which is guided by a comprehensive needs assessment.Develop augmented reality (AR) resources in English and other languages for produce growers in Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota, focusing on produce safety best practices.Provide AR trainings and technical assistance to produce growers to improve produce safety practices.Evaluate and compare grower trainee engagement and transfer and retention of knowledge using two methods of teaching (lecture and AR).Communicate project outcomes with state and national partners.
Project Methods
The project aims to enhance produce safety education through a multi-state partnership and the development of innovative augmented reality (AR) resources. The methodology integrates traditional needs assessments with new educational technologies to reach growers, including under-served and socially disadvantaged farmers.Objective 1: Strengthen and grow a multi-state partnership of food safety educators focused on produce safety, guided by a comprehensive need assessment.Methods: The project will convene a team of food safety professionals and an advisory board of stakeholders. The advisory board will inform the needs assessment survey and ensure diverse farmer networks are engaged. This continuous collaboration will ensure the project addresses the most pertinent produce safety issues.Project Management: Regular meetings and updates are planned, with specific team members assigned to each task to ensure consistent progress.Objective 2: Develop AR resources in English and other languages for produce growers, focusing on produce safety best practices.Methods: Based on the needs assessment, AR resources will be developed and translated into multiple languages. The content will include both good and bad examples of produce safety practices, ensuring cultural relevance and effectiveness.Project Management: The advisory board will review and inform the content development. The process includes scripting, capturing AR footage, and translating materials.Objective 3: Provide AR trainings and technical assistance to produce growers to improve on-farm produce safety practices.Methods: AR training workshops will be conducted in Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. Follow-up technical assistance and resources will be provided online.Project Management: Training sessions will be planned and evaluated for the expected outcomes.Objective 4: Evaluate grower trainee engagement and transfer and retention of knowledge using two methods of teaching (lecture and AR).Methods: The effectiveness of AR training compared to traditional lecture-based training will be evaluated through pre- and post-training assessments, and a follow-up survey.Project Management: The evaluation will include multiple assessments to measure knowledge retention and practical implementation of safety practices.Objective 5: Communicate project outcomes with state and national partners.Methods: Dissemination of results through various channels, including online platforms, newsletters, scientific journals, and conferences.Project Management: Regular updates will be provided to project partners and stakeholders, and materials will be shared broadly to maximize impact.Data Collection and Interpretation of Results:Pre- and Post-Training Assessments: Evaluating knowledge gained and engagement levels through surveys conducted before and after training sessions.Long-term Follow-up Surveys: Assessing knowledge retention and implementation of best practices 4-6 months post-training.Comparative Analysis: Comparing the effectiveness of AR training against traditional methods in terms of engagement and knowledge retention.Impact Assessment: Evaluating the practical application of learned practices on farmsEducational Efforts:AR Trainings: Interactive workshops aimed at improving produce safety practices among farmers.Technical Assistance: Online platforms and follow-up services provide continuous support and resources.Water Testing Services: Offering free water testing to identify and mitigate safety risks.Evaluation Plan:Milestones and Indicators: completion of needs assessments, developing and disseminating AR resources, and conducting training sessions. Success indicators include the number of participants, knowledge gained, and improvements in on-farm safety practices.Evaluation Methods: Surveys, assessments, and qualitative feedback from participants and stakeholders will be used to measure the project's success.Quantifying Impact:Participation Metrics: Tracking the number of workshops held, attendees, and languages covered.Knowledge and Practice Improvement: Assessing changes in knowledge and safety practices through pre- and post-training evaluations and follow-up surveys.Water Quality Improvements: Monitoring improvements in water safety through continuous testing and targeted technical assistance.