Abstract

Modern agricultural production exposes people who work in it to some health and safety hazards. However, research in this field is often complex, requiring the contribution of multidisciplinary teams consisting mainly of epidemiologists, biostatisticians, immunologists, toxicologists and microbiologists. As Québec experts in charge of the project, the researchers will participate in the development of a Canada-wide training program in health in the agricultural, rural and mining environments. By bringing together national expertise in this field, this new curriculum will allow master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral students to develop their knowledge about health issues specific to the rural environment by participating in various pedagogical activities, namely courses and conferences. Under this program, these young researchers will be able to benefit from scholarships to study such things as the methods for evaluating the toxicity of organic dusts, and the health problems related to pig housing facilities.