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The objective of the University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) is to protect human health and the environment by providing pesticide applicators (or applicator candidates) with the information necessary to safely and properly apply restricted use pesticides. Programs can consist of classroom presentations, hands-on training, printed media, computer based media, videos, etc. <P>Expected outputs include: The UConn Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (UCONN PSEP) will work with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Pesticide Management Division to identify what specific training topics should be addressed in pesticide applicator training based on DEEP inspection reports of violations. The CT PSEP will also work with DEEP personnel to provide outreach education on pesticide issues as they arise. Turf and ornamental pesticide applicators will increase their capacity to become certified by the State of Connecticut as Supervisory Applicators through classroom training. Continuing education and outreach will be conducted to reduce pesticide risk amoung commercial pesticide applicators through presentations to various industry groups along with classroom and hands-on educational opportunities. Classroom and hands-on training programs for private pesticide applicators will be developed and delivered to enable them to maintain their skills as pesticide applicators and be recertified by the State of Connecticut. Presentations to commodity groups and others on various pesticide issues will be made upon request. New educational materials for consumers about pesticides and pesticide safety will be developed. A website will be updated with new materials and announcements of training opportunities.
Non-Technical Summary:<br/>
The issue of using pesticides is controversial, and at the same time pesticides are an important tool used in pest management, for public health, property protection and food production. The State of Connecticut requires that individuals using restricted-use pesticides on their own property or property which they rent for agricultural purposes become certified as private pesticide applicators. Individuals who hold themselves out for hire to apply any type of pesticides are required to be certified as commercial applicators. All applicators must maintain their certifications by earning re-certificaion credit at educational programs. Each applicator must earn 12 educational credits in five years to qualify for re-certificaiton. One credit equals one hour of instruction on pesticide safety education and pest management. The Pesticide Safety Education Program provides educational programs for initial certification of people who wish to become certified in the categories of Ornamental and Turf and Golf Course Superintendent. Recertification programs are also developed and delivered for private and commercial pesticide applicators, pesticide safety education is also provided to commodity groups, the general public and Master Gardeners volunteers. Outcomes: Pesticide applicators (or applicator candidates) and consumers will learn about protecting human health and the environment, understanding how to safely and properly apply pesticides. Pesticide applicators will be certified or re-certified.
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Approach:<br/>
Educational opportunities provided will consists of classroom presentations, hands-on training, printed media, computer based media, videos, etc. Post program written evaluations will be conducted and in some cases both pre and post program evaluations or exams will be conducted.