Pilot a decontamination training program for FARMWORKERS, targeting those populations who are underserved (e.g., english as a second language (ESL) workers), across all livestock sectors

The proposed activities include the development of a series of online training modules that focus on the skills needed to effectively perform decontamination activities in agricultural facilities and create a strong understanding of why decontamination-related skills and processes are important. In parallel, this project will establish a national working group of subject matter experts to guide the training development and inform key aspects such as the formation of agricultural decontamination standards and determining a path for the creation of a certification program. A rigorous evaluation of the pilot program will also be conducted to determine its effectiveness and areas for potential improvement. Deliverables of this project include 1) reports on certification standards and curriculum recommendations from an expert working group, 2) a curriculum package consisting of modules, exercises, and assessments in both english and spanish, and 3) a final report summarizing all project activities and outcomes. Expected outcomes of this project are 1) an increase in farmworker knowledge on decontamination and 2) the potential to disseminate the course and develop a workforce certified in decontamination competencies. Intended beneficiaries of this project include the trainees (FARMWORKERS), and the U.S. Poultry and livestock industries. In addition, the program will be piloted by texas a & M agrilife extension service with the intent that other cooperative extension programs, along with states and industry, can utilize the materials to train personnel. A challenge that currently exists is that personnel conducting decon in response efforts are not required to undergo training before being assigned to those tasks. This training can assist in providing response officials training resources that can be recommended or required as state officials would like.