Participants will learn about the program’s collaborative approach, workshop topics such as financial literacy, safety training, marketing, public communication, and regulatory engagement, as well as efforts to expand opportunities for aspiring fishermen across Virginia’s coastal communities. This session will be valuable for commercial fishermen, seafood industry stakeholders, Extension professionals, workforce development practitioners, occupational safety professionals, and anyone interested in supporting resilient coastal communities and the future of domestic seafood production.

The post Young Fishermen’s Initiative: Training the Next Generation of Commercial Fishermen | September 24, 2026 @ 1 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

What does it take for a small fishing community to rebuild—again and again—after every storm?

Join the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS) and University of Florida Gulf Scholars at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora for a screening of a new documentary short highlighting Cedar Key—a fishing community that has weathered multiple hurricanes in recent years.

The film explores how environmentally sensitive coastal communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from major storms while highlighting SCCAHS’s work to protect the health and safety of those who live and work along Florida’s coast.

Following the screening, Extension professionals, Cedar Key residents, and local business owners featured in the film will discuss their firsthand experiences navigating hurricane preparedness and recovery, and explore what community-centered resilience looks like in practice.

This in-person program is free and open to the public. A reception with the panelists will follow the program. For those unable to attend, the forum will also be streamed live via YouTube.

Parking information will be made available as the event approaches. Check the event page linked below for the most updated information.

The post Our Gulf, Our Future: Voices from Cedar Key | September 1, 2026 @ 5:30 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

In April 2025, AHSA conducted a 360-degree video capture on the Mississippi State University (MSU) farm in collaboration with OP McCubbins. The team produced immersive scenarios featuring real agricultural activities­, equipment operation, chemical handling, and general farm work-each filmed within authentic Mississippi agricultural settings. The videos showcased proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use, including face shields, chemical goggles, and safety glasses. Two young adult participants with experience in chemical handling, shop work, and welding served as role models throughout the filming process.

In September 2025, project personnel traveled to Mississippi to deliver the Gear Up for Ag program at MSU, which included the newly developed immersive Eye Safety 360° video. During this visit, a student focus group coordinated with OP McCubbins provided valuable feedback that is now guiding the final edits to the video.

Additional information will be presented about the Gear Up for Ag program, which is a unique health and safety training initiative designed for the next generation of agriculture. The program uses a combination of live demonstrations, virtual reality, 360° learning tools, and storytelling to engage participants. This program also includes Gear Up for Ag eLearning online health and safety resources that are provided to all participants and instructors.

Registration is required.

The post Enhancing Agricultural Safety Education for the Next Generation of Agriculture Through Immersive Technology | August 26, 2026 @ 1 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

Preliminary data from an ongoing study uncovers why Florida’s climate, livestock populations, wildlife resources, and international connections increase the state’s vulnerability to future infestations. The session will also explore the potential economic and One Health impacts of a reintroduction and discuss the importance of prevention, early detection, and preparedness efforts to protect Florida’s agricultural industry and economy.

Register for this free learning opportunity and join us on Thursday, August 6 at 1 P.M. EDT.

The post Modeling New World Screwworm (NWS) Infestation Scenarios and Their Economic Impact on Florida’s Livestock Industry: Research Update | August 6, 2026 @ 1 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

In this webinar, Dr. Marysel Pagán Santana, Director of Environmental & Occupational Health at the Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN), shares practical strategies to help agricultural workers, advocates, and service providers reduce risk and better prepare for hurricane events. Participants will gain insights into prevention, emergency preparedness, and response strategies that support the safety and resilience of farmworker communities.

The post Preparing Farmworker Communities for Hurricane Season | July 23, 2026 @ 1 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

This webinar takes a whole workplace perspective relevant to agricultural communities, examining how stress and trauma can show up across roles from fieldwork to management. Participants will gain practical insight into common impacts, why these issues matter for the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations, and how trauma informed approaches can support safer, more stable, and more effective workplaces.

The post The Invisible Toll: Trauma and Stress in Worker and Employer Wellness | May 21, 2026 @ 10 A.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

The post Farm Security and National Resilience: Public Perceptions and Opportunities for Extension | April 23, 2026 @ 1 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

Dr. Edwin Burgess will provide a comprehensive overview of NWS, including its life cycle and biological traits, historical outbreaks and impacts, disease progression in affected animals, and available treatment options. He will also discuss eradication efforts and highlight the University of Florida’s role in surveillance, response, and ongoing research related to NWS. Dr. Nargiza Ludgate will introduce her upcoming NWS scenario modeling project conducted through SCCAHS, outlining the purpose and goals of this work. 

The post Understanding New World Screwworm (NWS): Biology, Risks, and Response | March 23, 2026 @ 1 P.M. EDT first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

CONTENIDO DEL WEBINAR: 

• Medidas preventivas: mejores prácticas para reducir la transmisión de la gripe en las comunidades de trabajadores agrícolas. 

• Higiene y nutrición: consejos simples y accionables para apoyar la salud inmunológica y el bienestar general. 

• Estrategias de comunicación: cómo compartir de manera efectiva información sobre la prevención de la gripe con clientes hispanohablantes. 

PONENTE: Nelly Nelson, Agente de Ciencias de la Familia y del Consumidor, UF/IFAS Extensión del Condado de Manatee 

The post Protección de la salud de los trabajadores agrícolas durante la temporada de gripe: Estrategias prácticas para la extensión y divulgación (español) | 19 de febrero 2026 @ 1 P.M. ET first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

This webinar covers: 

• Preventative Measures: Best practices for reducing flu transmission in farmworker communities. 

• Hygiene & Nutrition: Simple, actionable tips to support immune health and overall well-being. 

• Communication Strategies: How to share flu prevention information effectively with Spanish-speaking clientele. 

Registration is required.

The post Protecting Farmworker Health During Flu Season: Practical Strategies for Extension Outreach (ENGLISH) | February 19, 2026 @ 10. A.M. ET first appeared on Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.