Final report for SVI22-001
Project Information
This project proposal will focus on four priority areas of training needs based on input received from the members of the SARE Advisory Council. The proposed professional development activities for 2022 - 2023 will build upon previous accomplishments while addressing the current needs of all stakeholders.
During the 2021-2022 implementation period one of the training objectives was to increase knowledge and awareness regarding the Naturally Grown Program. In order to enhance the knowledge base of the trainees regarding natural crop production methods, the 2022-2023 training cycle will focus on crop rotation as a sustainable agricultural practice. In addition to learning about the principles and benefits of crop rotation, the target audience will also gain insight regarding suitable crop rotation sequences for their operations.
As in the previous year, the 2022-2023 period will include training activities on the topics of farm safety, health and well-being. The members of the local SARE Advisory Council cited the need to continue this training on these topics based on the on-going personal challenges faced by producers and the community in general. These challenges are associated with the continued recovery efforts from the most recent hurricanes, drought periods, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and farm-related hazards.
There is also a continued need for farmers to be more knowledgeable regarding the water quality and testing requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
The target audience for the training events will be outreach staff and mentor farmers.
The target audience for the USVI Professional Development Program for the 2022 - 2023 implementation period will be mentor farmers and agricultural outreach staff from state and federal agencies as well as members of pertinent non-government organizations.
Objective 1. To increase knowledge and awareness regarding the benefits, principles, and practice of crop rotation.
Objective 2. To continue increasing knowledge and awareness of practices to safeguard and enhance the health and wellness of farm families.
Objective 3. To increase knowledge and awareness regarding measures to improve farm safety practices.
Objective 4. To increase knowledge and awareness of the water quality and testing requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Advisors
- (Researcher)
Education
Objective 2:
Two PPE presentations were held for the Virgin Islands territory farmers. The first was held on the Albert A. Sheen Campus St. Croix on Dec 4th, 2023, and the second was held at the Orville E. Kean UVI St. Thomas Campus on April 15th, 2024. These trainings consisted of three parts from three presenters, culminating in a training designed to raise greater awareness of the need to protect and preserve one's health as a farmer.
Dr. Amy J. Dreves, the UVI Extension Specialist–Pest Management, presented on pesticide product labels. A number of real and fabricated pesticide product labels and safety data sheets (SDS) were handed out to participants to provide critical information about navigating labels and handling and using pesticide products safely and legally. Dr. Dreves explained the parts of the label to understand where to find the potential risks and hazards that pesticides may pose and highlighted the minimum Personnel Protective Equipment for mixers, loaders, and applicators found under the header, “Precautionary Statements.” Participants played a game by placing the names of each part on the front panel of a label and filling in the blanks on a worksheet. Participants proceeded to locate the names of parts on copies of product labels that were handed out to understand the importance of safety gear better.
The second presenter was Mrs. Vanessa Forbes, a seasoned UVI Extension Agent II. She delivered a comprehensive session on the health effects of the lack of or improper usage of PPE, specifically focusing on the respiratory, auditory, and ocular receptors, highlighting to the farmers the disease that affects farmers, known as “farmer's lung. Mrs. Forbes expressed awareness of one's surroundings regarding dust and Mold, which, once in the Alveoli of the lungs, are impossible to remove. For the auditory receptors, the highlighted need for farmers to protect their hearing while they still have it is highlighted by using adequate hearing protection designed for reducing decibels to a safe level. Ocular receptors, more commonly called the eyes, were also covered. Surfers’ eyes, farmers' eyes, or a Pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent membrane on the eye surface. It is often seen in persons who spend long hours in the sun and high dust and dry conditions. One can lessen the risk of developing a pterygium by using high-quality wrap-around tinted eye protection. Rinsing eyes thoroughly when dust and other particulates enter the eyes and lubricating them with artificial tears is also an important step to take in lessening the risk of developing farmers' eyes. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/six-things-to-know-about-pinguecula-pterygium
The third presenter, Mr. Meridith M. Prince, is a training Supervisor at the Ocean Point Terminals on the big island of St. Croix, USVI. He delivered the closing blow of knowledge to the attendees of the presentation on PPE usage from respirators and the proper fit to ANSI eye protection and ISEA 105 glove fit standards. At the conclusion of the presentation the essential component Mr. Prince wanted all participants of both the St. Croix and St. Thomas presentations to understand that PPE is an integral component of any comprehensive wellness and safety strategy, be it on a farm or in an international work site. PPE plays a critical role in protecting workers' health and well-being by minimizing risk and safeguarding workers against physical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate PPE, ensuring the proper use and fit, maintaining equipment, and providing proper training to workers. Through these measures, workers can remain safe, protected, and free from preventable injuries or illnesses.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
To Increase knowledge and awareness regarding the benefits, principles and practices of crop rotation
Two formal presentation were presented to Ag professionals and mentor farmer of the VI; however in an effort to keep the information in the forefront of the farmer minds a colorful and informative poster was designed and created by Dr. Amy J. Dreves with input from Ag professionals and farmers
Now that the informative poster has been completed it is a useful tool for local and regional farmers to utilize as a guide for planting and ensuring complete rotation in a attempt to lessen the impact of pest pressures as well as to improve the health of the soil organisms
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
There was not as much participation as we had intended. Many of the potential participants, although the information was valuable and would have significantly benefited them, did not see the need to attend. I recommend having funding available for the purchase of farm-related giveaways that can be used as incentives to attract the target audience. For us, knowledge is invaluable, but to farmers, tools and other useful items are more valuable.
Face of SARE
At the Annual Agricultural Fair, we were able to communicate about the research grants for on-farm and distribute publications.
I discussed the publications on Crop Rotation on Organic Farms and Building Soils for Better Crops with Ag colleagues, in anticipation of doing future joint presentations.