This project was a new educational approach to teaching pesticide application to Hmong produce growers by modifying an existing curriculum with cultural adaptations. Using pesticides safely and appropriately addresses production and food safety risk management concerns for this population. The modified curriculum was piloted in a two-day training located in two Wisconsin counties, Marathon and Dane. We targeted both ginseng growers and fresh market produce growers. We had 43 Hmong growers participate and learn new skills; 77% of them applied new information/skills learned to their farming operation, 23% took the private pesticide applicator test, with 67% of those passing the exam.
This new approach will be replicated in in other areas of Wisconsin, which is planned for the winter of 2016-17 .