Growers that try to farm, but face daily challenges because of some sort of disability now have resources to assist.  The USDA calls the program, AgrAbility.

 

"The program does provide a lot of services, and its a range of things that take place in the agricultural setting that they would need some help with how they're going to do that and accomplish those tasks," said  Brand Rine of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, adding the national AgrAbility program operated by NIFA is supplemented by various state and regional projects; and at both levels, partnership is essential.

 

"What you'll do is you'll have the agriculture extension people whose primary background is in everything related to agriculture production. And then work with the nonprofit disability which has a strong background in accommodating disabilities in agriculture."

 

The national AgrAbility Web Site contains various online resources for both clients as well as state and regional projects for Ag operators and employees with disabilities.  As well as links to training workshops and views of available technologies.

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

 

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