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RE:     EDEN Plant Biosecurity Management Course

Extension professionals play a vital role in plant and crop biosecurity education. Therefore, the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) has made available the online Plant Biosecurity Management Course, 2006 Edition. It is designed specifically for Extension advisors, agents, educators, and/or specialists who recognize the need for improved plant biosecurity education in their communities. The 2006 edition provides:

1)       updated and timely resources

2)       preventative activities and current response efforts for Soybean Rust

As you are aware, mismanaging a biosecurity outbreak by failing to detect it or not communicating appropriate information could increase damages. Therefore, through this EDEN course, you will be prepared to teach agricultural producers, workers, and others involved in the U.S. agricultural sector how to:

• prepare for a plant biosecurity event
• appropriately respond to and recover from a plant biosecurity event
• reduce the effects of future plant biosecurity events

Because it is an interactive, online course, you will be provided with ready-to-use presentations, applied activity guidelines, and handouts for producer workshops and/or community awareness presentations. Course access is available on the EDEN Web site (www.EDEN.lsu.edu/LearningOps). Just click on the Plant Biosecurity Management Course, 2006 Edition button. The course is self-paced and involves approximately eight contact hours. If you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, and will be recognized in our state as plant biosecurity-ready.

I encourage you to take this online course. If you would prefer to access the course via a CD-ROM rather than the Internet, please let me know and I will get one to you. However, keep in mind that, if you would like to receive a certificate of completion, you must complete the course online.