Responding to the needs of a growing population of farmers and ranchers living with a disability, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded 23 grants to organizations to help thousands of people with disabilities continue their chosen agricultural professions. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the grants, totaling $4.1 million, through the AgrAbility program. The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis received $180,000. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of all Americans devoted to agriculture, U.S. agriculture is a bright spot in our economy and provides a livelihood for one in 12 Americans,” said Catherine Woteki, USDA chief scientist and under secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “Nearly 2 million individuals working in agriculture in the United States live with a disability that affects their work and daily life. The AgrAbility program provides these producers with the training and resources they need to remain profitable, to maintain their quality of life, and to continue to contribute to our nation’s supply of food, feed, fiber and fuel.” NIFA awarded the funds to land-grant universities that have joined with nonprofit disability organiza-
tions to address the specialized needs of American farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Projects include educating professionals on how to assist those with disabilities and directly training disabled agricultural workers. Past AgrAbility projects have improved customers’ financial stability, access to life activities and the ability of states and regions to deliver timely services to those with disabilities. Since initial funding in 1991, NIFA has awarded grants to more than 35 states resulting in on-farm assistance to more than 15,000 farmers while educating thousands of professionals on how to accommodate those with disabilities in agriculture. The typical award provides up to $180,000 per year for up to four years to qualifying universities. In addition to the state project grants, one national grant provides additional support for a National AgrAbility Project, which is directed jointly by Purdue University and Goodwill Industries. These national partners joined to provide technical assistance and professional training for the state projects, produce resource materials and distribute information related to the project. For more information, log on to www.agrability.org. ❖
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If you are having trouble repaying student loans, it is important to act quickly — before you are in default. The government can garnish your wages or offset your income tax refunds if you fail to make payments on federal loans for nine to 12 months. Private loans are turned over to a collection agency which can cause long-term damage to your credit. Your lender can explain possible solutions before you default. A deferment of payments may be available if you are still in school, are unemployed or are going through a hardship. You may qualify for a forbearance which will allow for a temporary postponement or reduction of payments for a period of time. Income-based caps can cap payments on federal loans based on income. If you are having a problem with your federal student loan, contact the FSA Ombudsman at the U.S. Department of Education. The FSA Ombudsman is dedicated to helping students and parents resolve disputes and other problems with federal education loans. The FSA Ombudsman will research your problem in an impartial and objective manner and will try to develop a fair solution. Even though the FSA Ombudsman does not have the authority to impose a solution, many students have found the FSA Ombudsman to be helpful in resolving disputes with lenders. You can contact the FSA Ombudsman by phone at (877) 557-2575, by fax at (202) 275-0549, by mail at U.S. Department of Education, FSA Ombudsman, 830 First Street, NE, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 202025144, or by e-mail at fsaombudsmanoffice@ed.gov. This article was submitted by Brenda Schmitt, Iowa State University Extension family resource management program specialist at Nashua, Iowa. She may be reached at (641) 512-0650 or schmitt@iastate.edu. ❖
Grants expand access for disabled farmers
THE LAND, MARCH 2, 2012
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