September 18, 2003

 

Extension Agents Expand Their Role

In a world where terrorists could seriously damage the country’s food supply, the North Dakota State University Extension Service is expanding its role to include homeland security. Recently extension agents and personnel from NDSU research extension centers participated in an ag biosecurity training program.

"Although addressing disasters is something none of us ever want to do, we know from many years of experience that the NDSU Extension Service has and does play an important role in disaster issues," says Sharon Anderson, extension service director.

Training included sessions on agroterrorism, animal diseases, pests and plant diagnostics, and family and consumer issues.

Some of the training goals included:

• Identifying available resources for disaster preparedness and recovery
• Responding to a critical need or crisis quickly and efficiently with reliable, up-to-date information
• Partnering with local and state disaster officials for public planning and education
• Understanding the NDSU Extension Service’s role and strategy in a disaster
• Educating the public about disaster preparedness to prevent and/or minimize the effects of a disaster
• Helping make homes, farms and workplaces secure

"When the unexpected happens, we, as educational leaders, need to be prepared to help address the immediate issues and find ways for people to move on to future decisions," Anderson says.

The NDSU Extension Service is also part of a national Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). It is a multi-state effort by extension services across the country to improve the delivery of services to people affected by intentional or unintentional disasters.

The network gives extension agents and educators a place to turn for information on disaster preparation and recovery. Experts from various states are available through the network to answer specific questions.

Funding for the North Dakota training was made possible through a grant from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to the N.D. Board of Animal Health.

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Source: Sharon Anderson, (701) 231-8944, ext-dir@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu