Comparing the effectiveness of delivery style in produce safety training for growers

The Produce Safety Alliance grower training has been offered since 2016. Prior to the pandemic, the course was offered exclusively in-person. During the pandemic, trainers were allowed to offer the course remotely. The effectiveness of in-person and remote delivery options was compared utilizing four methods: course evaluations completed at the training; a pre- and post-training knowledge assessment; a 1-year follow-up survey; and focus groups with course trainers. All methods, except the focus groups, were used as evaluation tools starting before and continuing during the pandemic. On the course evaluations, remote delivery and in-person participants rated their satisfaction with the training and their confidence in their ability to make changes at the same high rate. The knowledge assessment found remote delivery participants scored higher on the posttest than in-person participants when controlling for pretest score (p < 0.001); the effect size was between low and medium (η_p ² = 0.025). On the follow-up survey, remote delivery participants reported making changes to food safety practices or infrastructure at a higher rate than in-person participants (68% vs. 53%, respectively, Χ² (1, N = 700) = 6.372, p = 0.012, Cramer's V = 0.012 (very low)). There were demographic differences in educational level, job description, and number of years farming between the two populations. The focus group revealed advantages and disadvantages of both delivery methods, including internet availability, engagement activity, and course logistics and planning. Because no practical differences in outcome were measured between delivery methods and each had unique strengths, researchers recommend that educators should utilize both methods in the future. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 1. When deciding between offering in-person or synchronous virtual training, trainers can feel confident that both delivery methods result in positive experiences from participants, learning, and behavior change. 2. PSA trainers may choose to offer the training remotely to increase accessibility for people who live in areas where there may not be enough growers to warrant holding an in-person training nearby, but should also consider that reliable high-speed internet access may not be available to all. 3. Remote delivery trainings can be smoother by hosting remote delivery participants at local extension or other partner offices where high-speed internet is available.