Researchers at the University of New Mexico, College of Population Health are interested in learning about the national impact of COVID-19 on USDA-certified organic principal operators/producers. The results of this survey will be used to inform future actions and guidance to protect and support organic farmers through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors that may compromise the health and safety of organic farmers differ from those of non-organic farmers. These differences go beyond the use of organic pesticides and organic inputs to include practices and psychosocial and contextual factors that may be unique to the organic farmer. The overall aim of this study is to develop, validate and administer a comprehensive survey that identifies and typifies health and safety risks among organic producers in the SW Ag region and provides information on the occupational, psychosocial and contextual factors that may contribute to injury and disease prevention. The Organic Farmers Safety, Health and Life survey study, is funded by NIOSH through the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education (SW Ag Center).
New Mexico Highlights 2023.pdf
This study aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organic farmers in five states, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Questions spanning four domains: prevalence, preventive behavior, collateral damage, and resilience were developed and administered in conjunction with the Organic Farmer Safety, Health & Life Survey. This study is funded by NIOSH through a grant awarded by the SW Ag Center.
https://hsc.unm.edu/news/2022/12/researchers-covid-toll-farmers.html
Grow the Growers is a farmer training and business incubation program by Bernalillo County Open Space. The Program provides participants with the infrastructure, land, and tools necessary to get started in local food production and helps graduates find business opportunities. The COPH APE Unit provides technical assistance with planning and evaluation
Watch local news clip on Bernalillo county Grow the Growers:
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations. There is a significant opportunity for injury, disease, and mortality in the agricultural industry, including organic farming. The aim of this pilot project is to collaboratively develop, implement, and evaluate a health and safety training module to address the specific health and safety needs of organic and traditional farmers. This project is collaborating with the Grow the Grower Program, a farm training and business acceleration program in Bernalillo County.
Funding for this research was supported by the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education through Cooperative Agreement # U54-OH007541 from CDC/NIOSH
Contributes to community wealth by:
Funded by the Office of Substance Abuse and Prevention (OSAP), the program aims at reducing substance use risk and increasing resiliency through the Strategic Network of Advocates for the Prevention of Suicide and Substance Abuse (SNAP-SA), a multi-agency community coalition. Current strategies focus on underage drinking and prescription misuse through media campaigns, enforcement, education, training, and policy change. The COPH APEL Unit serves as an external evaluator for the program.