In October 2016, the creation of the National Pesticide Safety Education Center was announced. Led by university extension Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinators, the center aims to become the premier national provider of pesticide safety education. The Center is offered through eXtension, a part of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System.

It was recently announced that Tom Smith, associate director of the Institute of Agricultural Technology, Michigan State University, would take the helm as executive director of the center. Smith will work with program coordinators to set up the organizational and governing structure of the center.

Kerry Richards was also announced as the Educational Program Director. Richards will work with program coordinators to identify existing educational resources and tools as well as develop new tools.

For more information on eXtension and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center, visit catalog.extension.org.