Identifying the Agricultural Health and Safety Training Needs of Urban Agricultural Producers in Oklahoma
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 18, Issue 1 - June 2025
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
Most of the United States population resides in urban areas, and interest in urban agricultural production is increasing. The United States Department of Agriculture has recognized a need for investment in urban food systems through increasing food production in and around cities. However, a need exists to better understand the priorities of urban agricultural workers to develop appropriate Extension support programs for this population. The historical roots of Cooperative Extension programs for farm health and safety were examined, and a targeted needs assessment was conducted to improve our understanding of the workplace safety and health training needs of urban farmers in Oklahoma. The work was supported through funding from the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education. Results of this assessment show a need for more education for urban farmers related to workplace safety, with a particular demand for education in pesticide safety practices, as well as occupational and mental health awareness. In addition, this project provides a model for other Extension professionals seeking to study urban agricultural workers’ health and safety concerns in other states.
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