Risk Management Alternatives Extension specialists are conducting educational programs to help producers and agribusinesses meet the added responsibility of risk management they face as a result of the 1996 Farm Bill, increasingly global markets, the changing structure of agriculture, and the use of new and unproven technologies. Such efforts are considered essential for supporting the President's Food Safety Initiative. Municipal plans for conservation and development, zoning regulations, and subdivision requirements have been changed to address water resource protection. Watershed management plans have been initiated, and neighboring towns have pledged to work together through watershed conservation compacts. Development designs have been altered to better protect waterways.
Agriculture is one of the three most hazardous U.S. occupations.
Current pesticide applicator programs train over half a million people each year on the safe and environmentally sound use of pesticides.