| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| This project addressed human resource issues related to work-related musculo-skeletal disorders (WMSDs), heat stress, and overall operational efficiency for some of the most hand labor intensive operations that exist in agriculture - nursery and direct farm marketing enterprises. Marketing issues with respect to collectively pooling products and coordinating marketing tasks is another risk these agricultural operations struggle with in dealing with numerous consumers as well. Participants included those that attended one of two major trade conferences. Other participants were trained on how to reduce risks through a ´train-the-trainer´ program. Web based materials were developed to extend the resources beyond those made through personal contacts or training. Participants learned to use a variety of marketing and human resource management tools to better manage the risks in their operations. National coverage of the heat stress issue for workers was provided through an invited article in a trade magazine. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 2113 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Direct, wholesale, and processing markets |
| Contract production, branded or certified marketing, and value-added enterprises |
| Plans and tools to address succession, estate planning, health, and well being |
| Tools for managing legal liability |
| Employee recruitment, management and retention |
| Interpersonal, family and business relationships |
| Ability to manage changes in policy and regulation |
