Prioritizing IPM training needs of North Carolina extension professionals: A Borich model needs assessment

Abstract In the United States, the Cooperative Extension System provides vital Integrated Pest Management (IPM) resources to stakeholders. Improved understanding of the IPM training needs of Extension agents serves as a resource for training development decisions. The purpose of this study was to use a Borich-style needs assessment to determine the IPM training needs of Extension professionals in North Carolina. The results of this study produced a prioritized list of IPM training needs based on 35 different IPM competencies covering six IPM categories: (i) Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, (ii) Prevention, Avoidance, Monitoring, and Suppression, (iii) Pest Identification, (iv) Pesticide Safety, (v) Pesticide Use, and (vi) Pollinators. Extension agent workshops and trainings should prioritize the top IPM training needs found in this study. The development of a new Extension agent onboarding IPM webinar and resource packet is also recommended to provide new Extension agents with baseline IPM technical knowledge.