Purpose: The objectives were to develop training materials for farmers and market managers, to train County Extension Agents to implement training, and to evaluate curriculum effectiveness in improving knowledge of factors affecting produce safety in local markets and motivating changes to enhance safety.
Methods: Two curriculum packages were designed with an instructor guide, PowerPoint® slides, instructor dialogue, video interviews with farmers or market managers as positive deviants to educate others, evaluation questionnaires, IRB information letters, county report forms and certificates of completion. Factsheets for farmers and market managers were developed. Each curriculum was designed to provide two hours of training. County Extension Agents were trained, and workshops were implemented with farmers and market managers and evaluated by 217 farmers and 55 market managers.
Results: The percentage of farmers improving knowledge ranged from 54-73% for each of seven factors that affect produce safety. Intended changes ranged from 8% for difficult, expensive changes (e.g., irrigation methods) up to 59% for easier, less expensive changes (e.g., conducting self-inspections, improving cleaning and sanitizing, providing handwashing and toilet facilities and keeping records.) The percentage of market managers improving knowledge ranged from 56-94% for each of 14 factors that affect market safety. Intended changes ranged from 31-75% for individual practices such as enforcing a “no pets” policy, asking questions about production methods, improving handwashing and toilet facilities, providing training for vendors and workers, keeping records, etc.
Significance: The successful training increased knowledge of factors that enhance the safety of locally grown produce and motivated intent to change.