Leveraging Augmented Reality Tools for Produce Safety Education and Training

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.