Increasing contrvesy surrounding existing and proposed livestock operations is increasing in nature. A 1998 USDA survey of 35 states found 31 of these states are experiencing contraversy and 30 states have reported increased conflict and media attention. The National Cirriculum, funded by the USDA and EPA is designed to support producer certification and education programs designed to encourage sustainable livestock systems. A core cirriculum addressing environmental awareness, design and management options and regulatory compliance is related to four topics: 1) manure storage systems 2) land and nutrient management 3) air quality 4) alternative strategies and treatment technologies. The cirriculum will be reviewed with the pilot being tested regionally, and livestock industry information providers will access the core cirriculum through five regionally sponsored inservice programs. The three year project started in April 1999, with the focus on year 1 being the development of the cirriculum. The focus of year 2 will be the assesing and evaluating the pilot programs at 5 regional sites. The final year focuses on the training of potential information providers through regional training programs, with program completion coming in fall 2001.