A $1.2 million-plus National Institute of Food and Agriculture investment will fund research to help people with disabilities who work in the agricultural sector.
According to a press release issued by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture on Nov. 10, the investment – along a total investment of more than $5 million over the next half decade – will benefit AgrAbility and its work with farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers with disabilities.
“For more than 30 years, the AgrAbility program has provided comprehensive support to producers with disabilities and their families to ensure they have access to the training, technologies and networks necessary to continue working in their chosen profession of agriculture,” NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille said in the release. “To support the specialized needs of the AgrAbility community, the program builds service capacity at the state, regional and national levels through technical assistance, education and networking.”
The National AgrAbility Project’s vision of success is four-fold: gainful employment in production agriculture or a related occupation; access to appropriate assistive technology needed for work and daily living activities; evidence-based information related to the treatment and rehabilitation of disabling conditions; and targeted support for family caregivers of AgrAbility customers, per the website GrowingProduce.
The five projects under the NAP umbrella include Purdue University’s Breaking New Ground Resource Center, Indiana AgrAbility Project, Ohio State University’s Ohio AgrAbility Project, Pennsylvania State University’s AgrAbility PA and University of Tennessee Extension.
Last month, AgrAbility marked its 30th anniversary, with AgrAbility projects from 20 states having participated in the AgrAbility Virtual State Fair on Twitter.
Per NIFA, AgrAbility, which was created by the USDA 1990 Farm Bill, was federally funded for the first time in 1991.
“Throughout the 30 years of the program, I have had the opportunity to meet many AgrAbility clients who have expressed how AgrAbility has made a difference in their quality of life,” NIFA National Science Liaison Brad Rein said in a release. “I have always been inspired by their perseverance and determination to begin or continue working in agriculture. I would like to express my appreciation for all who support the AgrAbility program and make a difference in the lives of the public we serve.”
