[3] The original concept of NASD was a deliverable collection of safety materials contained within CD-ROMs, where the updates on CD would be periodically released.
In October 1993, NIOSH provided funding through its Agricultural Health Promotion System (AHPS) grant program to develop the first CD-ROM NASD through the University of Florida's Cooperative Extension Service (CES).
The first prototype of the CD-ROM collection was delivered to a select group of reviewers in October 1994, containing materials from institutions participating in the AHPS grant and from elsewhere.
These centers not only conduct research on the subject of occupational disease and injury prevention, but also promote agricultural health and safety through educational outreach programs.These groups are mainly funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, but are also funded by the US Department of Agriculture, and other state agencies.
The mission of the NCCRAHS is to "enhance the health and safety of all children exposed to hazards associated with agricultural work and rural environments".