Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for NC AgrAbility is embodied in its updated mission statement: NC AgrAbility assists farmers or farmworkers struggling mentally or physically to remain in, or Veterans entering into, production agriculture in all 100 North Carolina counties and on tribal lands. Changes/Problems:With significant and lengthy input from clients, partners, and NCAT Cooperative Extension Administration, NC AgrAbility retooled its approach from previous years in its most recent funding cycle. During the internal audit, PI Cook Marshall ascertained that while more broadly beneficial to a wider rural and NC audience, many of the presentations, tabling, workshops, and outreach activities being conducted by NC AgrAbility were not resulting in more clients served. Thus, with the input from clients, partners, and NCAT Cooperative Extension Administration, NCAP moved away from relying on self-referrals from farmers toward a model of third-party referral. Cook Marshall moved the education activities from the project away from tabling at events to participating only in presentations, networking, or tabling guaranteed to either increase contact made with potential clients (such as Veterans to Agriculture) or increase in non-subawardee partners. Following this model since spring 2023, NCAP has increased its deeper relationships with farmer, farmworker, and Veterans to Agriculture groups/CBO's. NCAP has a renewed commitment of throughline participation from Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD--formerly Vocational Rehabilitation) for continued engagement beyond the USDA-NIFA funding cycle and continues to meet monthly with EIPD for client referrals and review. NCAP has also expanded its fundraising with a focus on USDA-NIFA as client-supporting funding. Additionally, PI Cook Marshall has expanded capacity through the aforementioned pilot on social care farming with Easter Seals Port Health (formerly Easter Seals UCP), and broadened services and NC AgrAbility research. Research centering NC AgrAbility has been proposed to three agencies: $400,000, Southern SARE, Reapplied. In 2023 Cook Marshall developed new partnerships for applied research, in particular with Veterans to Agriculture organizations and with sustainable farmers already in service through the NC AgrAbility program. Earning a pre-approval for this grant through Southern SARE, in November 2024, she re-submitted a full application for the following research: "Sustainable Farming for All Farmers: Open Source Low Tech DIY Accessible Technology." The purpose of this project is to pilot, research, field test, assess the regenerative efficacy of, and assess alter-abled farmer satisfaction/increased life satisfaction with, DIY accessible regenerative farming technology. Based in this research, this collaborative team--NC AgrAbility staff at NC A&T, training farm staff and trainees, participating farmers, and co-PIs--will produce open source online videos and plans for a range of entry and mid-level commercially viable do-it-yourself regenerative agricultural technologies that are not only proven to contribute to regenerative agricultural processes, but also affordable and alter-able (disability) friendlier and accessible. $10,000 SaGe Fellow through the Farmer Rancher Stress Assistance Network, awarded, awaiting disbursement from University of Tennessee, Knoxville Undergraduate, Master's student to interview community resources and organizations, follow-up with suggested additional community resources and organizations for interviews, analyze research models for addressing underserved farmer stress. $12,000 the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health & Injury Prevention (SCAHIP) pilot research, applied. Victoria Gyameraah Tanoh, PhD Student in Applied Science and Technologywill be tasked with interacting with grasstops for evaluating services and gaps in the farmworker service and research ecosystem 1) in NC, and, if time and resources permit, the region 2) investigating and proposing a model for this network 3) identifying resources and technical assistance 4) seeking funds for the proposed network 5) writing a white paper for sharing with grasstops, researchers, technical assistance resources, and potential funders 6) and if time permits, submitting an academic paper to a relevant conference and/or journal. Strengthening the network of farmworker service organizations increases the opportunity to serve farmworkers through NC AgrAbility. In short, due to sensitivities regarding their employers knowing that they, the farmworkers are suffering mentally or physically and this is interfering with their capacity for work, NC AgrAbility has found that in NC, partnering through CBOs already working with farmworkers and meeting with farmworkers at sites beyond their places of employment improve farmworker receptivity to participating with NC AgrAbility. This substantial expansion of application for funding for NC AgrAbility beyond the USDA-NIFA cycle, and the commitment by NCAT Cooperative Extension to maintain an active NC AgrAbility even in an affiliate stage, represents significant change from prior modes of running the NCAgrAbilityProjects (SRAP). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?NCAP continues to remain the only organization in North Carolina focused on the needs of farmers, farmworkers, and Veterans in physical or mental struggle to remain in production agriculture. 2023-2024 Highlights: NCAP educated 100+ rural medical professionals and clients about the needs of farmers with respect to AT as part of a live conference on rural health at Eastern Carolina University in North Carolina. Rural Health Symposium, Feb 5, 2024, Greenville, NC,125 participants. Access East Train Farmworker Trainers STB--NC AgrAbility director Crystal Cook Marshall trained farmworker health workers from Access East in Stop the Bleed, which they brought to 30 producers and more than 700 farmworkers in July 2024. Cook Marshall and Access East discussed additional lower costs interventions to prevent farmworker injury, and will pilot a similar approach to interventions in July as that started with Vecinos in June. NC AgrAbility is part of the NCAT platform of practice and research in Agromedicine. In order to enroll more campus participation and C-suite interest, NC AgrAbility PI Crystal Cook Marshall stewarded two professional development events to the NCAT campus. NC Agromedicine Institute Symposium, March 2024, Greensboro, NC, Guilford. Hosted at the University Pavilion, NC Agricultural and Technical State University. Keynote speaker: Michelle Samuel-Foo, Ph.D., acting chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. https://caes.news/n-c-agromedicine-institute-n-c-at-host-farm-health-and-safety-symposium/ "The symposium was sponsored by the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute along with its partner universities, N.C. A&T, East Carolina University and N.C. State University. 'This type of conference fits our land-grant mission,' said Gregory Goins, Ph.D., associate dean for research in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. 'It really demonstrates the benefit to the public and the return investment our stakeholders. A lot of what we do in this institute is not on the front page [of the news], but it is an essential piece for the success and safety of agriculture in North Carolina.' The N.C. Agromedicine Institute, celebrating its 25thanniversary this year, conducts and promotes research, intervention, outreach and education to improve the health and safety of the agricultural community, including farmers, farm workers, foresters, fishers, and their families." LatinoFarmworkers Safety and Health Symposium, August 2024, Hosted at the University Pavilion, NC Agricultural and Technical State University. In partnership with the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health & Injury Prevention (SCAHIP) at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. A two-day event and capped at 100 attendees, the symposium included NCAT participations and speakers/presenters from SCAHIP, NC State, National Center for Farmworker Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of Nebraska, University of Florida, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,GAP Connections, NC State Extension, NCField, Emory University, NC Farmworker Health; Episcopal Farm Worker Ministry, Vecino, and more. Additional Eastern NC Farm Fest, Stop the Bleed and NC AgrAbility, Sept 22, 2023, 5, Williamston, NC, Martin County, 65 participants. FSA State Conference, First Aid and NC AgrAbility, Oct. 12, 2023, 5, Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County, 60 participants. Farmer Veteran Coalition Event, Oct. 27, Fayetteville, NC, Cumberland County, 45 participants. NC Niche Ag Conference , Nov 2023, Currituck, NC, Currituck County, 50 participants. Small Farms 360, Jan 2024, Plymouth, NC, Washington County, 30 participants. STB and Farm Safety Presentation, Feb 2024, Murphy, NC, Cherokee County, 40 participants. NC Veterans Farm, Feb 2024, Cameron, NC, Moore County, 8 participants. County Farm Tours with Specialists, Feb 2024, Pamlico, Columbus, Sampson Counties, 5 Extension Agents/Specialists. Organic Growers School Tabling, March 2024, Mars Hill, NC, Madison County, 1000+ attendees. County Farm Tours with Specialists, Boone, NC, Watauga and Avery Counties, 5 Extension Agents/Specialists. County Farm Tours with Specialists, April 2024, Yanceyville, NC, Warren, 5 Extension Agents/Specialists. Online presentation --NC AgrAbility, April 11, 2024, online NC, through Angel Cruz , 20 farmers/farmworkers. Forsyth Urban Growers School, May 10, 2024, 5, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, 20 farmers. Frontline to Farm, June 2024, Boone, NC, Watauga County, 35 students/8 staff. Veteran's Farm of NC, July 2024, Cameron, NC, Moore County, 5 students/1 staff. Soldier to Agriculture Program (NCSU), July 2024, Fayetteville, NC, Cumberland County, 9 students/ 2 staff. Sanford NCATP Meeting and Demonstrations, Aug 2024, Sanford, NC, Lee County, 2 staff. Professional Development for PI and Team PI attended Rural Prosperity panel on rural suicide, Sept 19 - 20, 2023, Washington, DC. PI and one field agent participated in the National Training workshop (March 2024), as well as NCAP partners from Eastern Carolina, Veterans Farm of NC, NC State, and eleven farmers from NC. NCAP expanded its service capacity by hiring a Veterans to Agriculture field agent in May 2024. Both field agents participate in ongoing seminars and webinars offered through the National AgrAbility project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results are distributed to communities through several conference presentations. American Meteorological Society: NCA&T researchers Crystal Cook Marshall and Sydney Davis Richardson presented on their 9-person research project on BIPOC farmer stress/anxiety, extreme weather, and leadership to 125 section attendees at the American Meteorological Society Broadcasters Communicating Extreme Weather conference in Myrtle Beach, SC June 2024. ISASH. NCA&T researchers Crystal Cook Marshall and Sydney Davis Richardson presented on their 9-person research project on BIPOC farmer stress/anxiety, extreme weather, and leadership to 25 section attendees at the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health Conference in Portland, OR in June 2024. NC Agromedicine Institute Symposium, March 2024, Greensboro, NC, Guilford. Hosted at the University Pavilion, NC Agricultural and Technical State University. LatinoFarmworkers Safety and Health Symposium, August 2024, Hosted at the University Pavilion, NC Agricultural and Technical State University. In partnership with the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health & Injury Prevention (SCAHIP) at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. PI participated in the Carolinas Heat-Health Coalition monthly meetings and the University of Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Training Center's Underserved Farmer Safety Network. The former prompted the inclusion of the National Weather Service as a partner in NC A&T Agromedicine Research. The latter has lead to the Underserved Farmer Safety Network planning to host a conference on Underserved farmers and farmworkers in the Southeast in conjunction with NC A&T Agromedicine in August 2024. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 2019 - 2024 Key Summary 73 Assistive Technology (AT) clients served, resulting in $4,015,000 in direct net income saved in the State. 4880 North Carolinians reached with information about NC AgrAbility at agricultural events, conferences, workshops, presentations, and class presentations. In this year of Extension PI and two field agents have been developing deeper relationships with Extension Agents, community-based organizations, Veterans to Agriculture organizations for ongoing integration of NC AgrAbility into their regular programming, and, that NC AgrAbility field agents and PI have a regular opportunity to present to cohorts of farmers and Veterans to Agriculture, or through CBOs, with farmworkers. Specific Additional Category Summary 2019 - 2024 Number of commodity meetings, 30. Number of state fairs, 5. Number of professional meetings/conferences, 25. Number of evaluations conducted for professional meetings/conferences, 20. Number of bilingual workshops, 1. Number of evaluations conducted for bilingual workshop, 1. Number of Partner meetings. Moved to a monthly model in 2022: 49 total. Number of Advisory Board meetings , 5 Number of Partner/collaborator workshops tabled/conducting education , 45. Number of Peer support groups conducted, 3. Number of farmers documented through individual independent living plans, 4. 2023-2024 Extension Year Specific NCAP educated 300+ AT therapists and clients about the needs of farmers with respect to AT as part of a live conference on AT in North Carolina. NCAP is now explicitly included as part of the work plan for NC A&T Cooperative Extension (CE), ensuring its viability for continuity of service. PI and field agents are included in for NC A&T Cooperative Extension plan of work, and, there is anticipation that these positions will continue on CE funding once soft money ends. This was the case for 2023 - 2024 for the PI at FTE. 33 NC AgrAbility. NCAP participated with a new more robust nonprofit partner, Easter Seals Port Health, toward reaching potential clients in all 100 North Carolina counties and tribal lands. Easter Seals Port Health is expected to be the co-PI during the next application to NIFA. After the internal audit, NCAP adopted a model of .33 PI and two part-time field agents @ .50 FTE. It streamlined its activities with all activities pushing toward recruitment, networking for services for clients, or serving clients NC AgrAbility surpassed its new client goal of 40 service assessments for its extended year 2023-2024 to end the cycle 2019 - 2024 with 73 clients served. With a 441% increase in clients from 2022, NCAP anticipates continuing to maintain 40 - 60 new clients per years recruited. 2023-2024 Additional Summary Easter Seals Zebulon Garden Install Pilot: NC A&T Agromedicine team engaged with NC AgrAbility non-profit partner Easter Seals UCP on a social care farming project as a means to better understand the impact of an accessible garden site on resident home resident and staff well-being. Partnerships have been developed with Home Depot and Scott's to provide additional volunteers, plants, and materials for an install. 9 home residents, six home staff, four Home Depot volunteers, three Scott's volunteers, four Easter Seals staff, and two NC A&T Cooperative Extension staff participated in the install of the accessible gardens on June 28. Zebulon, NC, Wake County, 9 residents/6 staff, Foothills Food Hub, Marion, NC: NC AgrAbility director Crystal Cook Marshall presented on NC AgrAbility and discussed partnering with farmers on an ergonomic and/or repetitive stress reducing "toolkit" to be piloted and researched for efficacy through NC AgrAbility's current SARE grant. Vecinos, Cullowhee, NC: NC AgrAbility director Crystal Cook Marshall stocked a set of items to prevent or reduce injury to farmworkers for assessment and feedback with Vecinos, a farmworker serving medical agency in Western NC. Using a grasstops assessment approach, medical professionals advised on best interventions for farmworkers to reduce pain, risk of injury, and reduce incidence of repetitive stress. Efficacy will be assessed through a cohort model of farmworker feedback facilitated by the medical clinic. Results will be collated for this grant to SARE and incorporated as part of a research paper on interventions to reduce farmworker pain, and ergonomic and/or repetitive stress

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cook Marshall, Crystal & Davis Richardson, Sydney. "Multidisciplinary Extreme Weather Toolkit for Small-scale and BIPOC Farmers." NC Agromedicine Institute Symposium, March 2024, Greensboro, NC.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cook Marshall, Crystal. "Assistive Technology and Farmworkers, Lessons Learned." Latino Farmworkers Safety and Health Symposium, Greensboro, NC. August 2024.

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The partners and team in the NC AgrAbility Partnership (NCAP) assist farmers or farmworkers struggling mentally or physically to remain in, or Veterans entering into, production agriculture in all 100 North Carolina counties as well as on tribal lands. NCAP includes steering partners that meet monthly to develop individualized plans of action for incoming clients/consumers and to coordinate partnership activities, education, marketing, and outreach. For this current cycle, these steering partners include NC A&T Cooperative Extension (SRAP), the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute, and North Carolina Assistive Technology Program. In terms of people with disabilities in NC, assuming at least one part-time farmer per the 45,100 farms in NC, at the general rate of persons with disabilities in NC, at least 4050 of those farms in NC have a person with disabilities farming them. 2523 of those people are most likely between 18 and 65. Organizational networking and resource-seeking through goods, services, and grants to offer financial assistance and partnership and program sustainability Refining the specific needs of production agricultural producers, farmworkers, and Veterans incoming into production agriculture was a focus of Year 4. The incoming PI, as a process of program evaluation and improvement, conducted qualitative interviews with: two veterans served; three stakeholder partner groups; two veteran groups; two farmworker stakeholder groups; three minority stakeholders, and, with Year 1 - Year 3 partners. Year 4 included refinement of NCAP priorities for services to: aging farmers, Minorities, women farmers, Veterans, and farm workers. Program sustainability and expansion of service capacity includes application to two Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grants, including receiving a grant for $22,000 from SARE. The program will start fall 2023. Ergonomics and Assistive Technology Program for Farmworkers in North Carolina (awarded): NC AgrAbility recognized decreased quality of life of farmworkers due to a risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this program is to provide ergonomics training to farmworkers and trainers with an assistive technology lending library in order to prevent secondary musculoskeletal injuries among farmworkers. There are two parts to the program, 1) an ergonomic training, and 2) the assistive technology lending library. Funding would buy assistive technology for the farmworkers and print materials for the ergonomics training. This program works closely with, and expands, NCAP's partnership with NC Extension's Farmworker Health and Safety Educator and NC Farmworker Health Program. Piloting and Hacking Low Cost, Low-tech Regenerative Farming Technologies for Increased Alter-abled (Disabled) Farmer Accessibility and Aging in Place, SARE Pre-application submitted May 2023 (applied): $400,000 The purpose of this project is to pilot prototypes, field test, and produce open-source online videos and publications for a range of entry level do-it-yourself sustainable agricultural technologies that are not only affordable but alter-able (disability) friendlier and accessible. The proposed project addresses the need to promote sustainable agriculture in a participatory and inclusive manner. As it currently stands, assistive and adaptive technology for farmers splits mainly into two groups-hand tools or tractor/UTV dependent adaptations or assistive technologies. Little literature exists on DIY sustainable agriculture systems and their alter-able (disability) accessibility. Likewise, little also exists in terms of replicable practical solutions for accessible sustainable agricultural entry point DIY technologies in formats easy to access such as open-source online videos or written guides. Nothing has been found that is systematically field-tested with farmer or farmer in training feedback or for comparable yield, much less from farmers with issues of accessibility or that are alter-abled (disabled) or struggling physically to remain or enter into production agriculture. Two farmer partner non-profits, Benevolence Farm that trains formerly incarcerated women in farming, and, the Veterans Farm of NC that has trained 800+ Veterans in farming, serve as prototype development sites, and seven NC AgAbility farmer clients serve as participant-researchers for continued prototype development. Further ensuring program stability and consistency, the PI for NC AgrAbility has advocated for and received a commitment from NC A&T Cooperative Extension for explicit inclusion of AgrAbility as part of the NC A&T Cooperative Extension work plan. To these ends, NC A&T has secured bridge funding for three part-time NC AgrAbility positions to enable service to continue despite NC AgrAbility not being awarded a continuation grant for the 2023 - 2027 NIFA AgrAbility cycle. NC AgrAbilty has secured a partnership with Easter Seals UCP North Carolina for this extension year and a commitment from Easter Seals UCP to serve as a co-PI for the next grant cycle, expanding the awareness and reach of NCAP and the needs of farmers with disabilities to Easter Seals UCP's 2,300 team members and 11,000 home and community locations in North Carolina alone. Moreover, NCAP maintains close collaboration with the NC Division of Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and is in process of developing deeper collaborating opportunities with the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?NCAP continues to remain the only organization in North Carolina focused on the needs of farmers, farmworkers, and Veterans in physical or mental struggle to remain in production agriculture. NCAP has expanded to educate Extension agents, collaborating entities, and farmer/farmworker serving non-profits about the struggles of farmers with disabilities, how the NCAP can assist, about opportunities for collaboration, and, how to submit referrals. Year Four NCAP has conducted two deeper dive trainings for four Extension agents to develop expertise at identifying farmers in physical or mental struggle, how to approach farmers for follow up with NC AgrAbility, and how to refer farmers as part of the State Extension conference. NCAP educated 170+ AT therapists and clients about the needs of farmers with respect to AT as part of a virtual conference on AT in North Carolina. NCAP trained 8 female apprentice farmers in safer ergonomics for farm work (March 2023), and facilitated accessible garden design training for the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. Professional Development Two NCATP specialists participated in the National Training workshop (March 2023), one participated in the regional workshop (July 2023) in South Carolina, and NCATP specialists continue to participate in farmer-specific trainings and webinars through the National Project and AgriSafe. NCAP expanded its service capacity by hiring a field agent in September 2022. This position is being refined toward an expertise in farmer assistive technology, and, NCAP has sought outside guidance in building its farm-specific AT competency and training objectives through mentoring through Ned Stoller of Michigan AgrAbility. NCAP trained 8 female apprentice farmers in safer ergonomics for farm work (March 2023), and facilitated accessible garden design training for the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. In-house training by NC A&T NC AgrAbility staff also includes: 2022 Drone License Training for conducting overview of farms and farm sites. 2023 Board Governance Learning Collaborative Training by National Center for Farmworker Health. January - May. March - Worksite Assessment, Secondary Injury, and AT Selection March - Adaptive Beekeeping for People with Disabilities and Veterans March - USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison March - SARE Grants - Preparing a Proposal Oct Adobe Rush Training Oct Belonging and Community Panel: DEIA Practices in Extension Oct Creating Engaging and Effective Social Media Content Oct Servant Leadership from Theory to Practice March Grant Writing Workshop for Cooperative Extension Agents March Strategic Planning Workshop Feb 15-16 Western Forum for Migrant and Community Health Webinars May 17 -19 Sustainable Livelihoods and Behavioral Health July 19, 22 Finding Qualified Vendors of Agricultural Assistive Technology Aug 12 Training Extension Agents at the FSI Aug Peer Farmer Support Group Aug Collaborating with Veterans from All Branches - training on AgrAbility working with VR and VA VR Aug Vision Solutions for Farmers Aug Working with Capstone Students Aug 29 Convivencia y conversación: Tools for reducing stress and fostering emotional well-being among Latino farmworkers Aug Understanding Osteoarthritis & Agriculture Resources Sept 7 The Importance ofRegenerative-Organic Agriculture Practices A LIFE Project Webinar Sept 15 Managing Stress in the Farm Sept ATV/UTV Farm Safety for Women Oct Build Resilience into your Farm Oct AT Act Programs & AT Loan Libraries Oct Low Stress Marketing for Farmers Accessibility for All - Series Jan 2022 Climate Year-in-Review Jan Crowdfunding for AgrAbility, Nonprofits, and Others Discussion Jan Sexual violence prevention and healing in Latina communities Feb Providing Services to Immigrant Workers and Refugees - Starting With Trust: Yes, WIOA Can! Feb Entrepreneurship, Disability, and CDFIs: Session 1: Introduction to CDFIs In Year 4, NCAP staff participated as leaders and volunteers with partner and affinity groups in roles such as: Chair, NC Farmworker Health Program Governing Board assisting with the proposal reviews and strategic planning Member of Farmer Veteran Coalition of NC assisting with Activities Committee in Planning for the Annual Educational Conference Beatriz Rodriguez serves as Parliamentarian for the Executive Committee of the NC Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists NCACES. Member of the MCGill QoL evaluation group for the National AgrAbility project. Member of the Beekeeping and Community of Interest Group Participating in the National AgrAbility Factsheet working group for the National AgrAbility project. Increasing collaborative work with Peacehaven Farm How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to tabling 18 events and reaching more than 4000 North Carolinians at agricultural events, conferences, workshops, presentations, class presentations, association meetings, virtual workshops, Veterans meetings, and farmer trainings and field days, in Year 4 NCAP revamped its online presence through a new website and through the professional production of four videos highlighting farmer clients served and NCAP services, improved NCAP promotional cards, and a feature article through NC A&T. This website and these videos take the lead in increasing NCAP public relations and promotions. Through its new partnership with Easter Seals UCP NCAP seeks to place feature articles with North Carolina commodity groups regarding farmers and disability and assistance available through NCAP. A revamped website (last updated in 2012) and fresh, current farmer client videos are key in this outreach. Though NCAP's administrative location at NC Agricultural and Technical State University, the largest public HBCU in the country and the largest producer in the United States of Black graduates in agriculture, NC AgrAbility reaches more than 200 Black and minority farmers through its co-participation in NC A&T Extension events such as Small Farms Week, Small Farms Field Day, and NC A&T's recent expansion of farmer field days in Northeast North Carolina, a locus of Black production agriculture. NCAP, in its planning as an affiliate AgrAbility for its 2023-2024 service year, has partnered with NC A&T for refined recruitment for minority and underrepresented farmers and farmworkers, particularly from NC's growing Latino/Hispanic community, on slate to become 10% of NC's population (US Census). The largest share of this growth is in rural counties already served by NC A&T: Duplin County is nearly 25% Latino, Sampson County, 21-22 percent, and Lee County, 20 percent (ABC11. Latino NC: North Carolina's Hispanic Population Growing Faster than Any Other Ethnic Group, July 12, 2023). This refined and target recruitment includes a NC AgrAbility program manager at ? AgrAbility and ? special populations recruitment for NC A&T Extension services for farmers and farmworkers, including AgrAbility. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?NCAP anticipates the following improvements committed or in process for the year of extension: PI will assume more robust engagement in day-to-day programmatic and fiscal management, including expansion of lines of financial support for NC AgrAbility. Current grants awarded beyond NIFA include $22,000 for AT support for farmworkers, $400,000 in an ask to SARE for a pilot for DIY on farm modifications of entrypoint sustainable equipment. PI has secured a commitment of bridge funding from NC A&T Cooperative Extension for NC AgrAbility as an affiliate program, with the funding allocated to part-time NC AgrAbility staff. PI will seek two more robust funding opportunities for NC AgrAbility fall 2023-spring 2024. PI will re-apply for USDA-NIFA support for NC AgrAbility when the RFP opens. PI will share knowledgeto inform practice for NC AgrAbility based on her 2023-2027 Evans Allen grant: The Multidisciplinary Extreme Weather Toolkit for Small-scale and BIPOC Farmers. This grant proposes to conduct research with BIPOC North Carolina farmers to investigate: attitudes toward weather extremes; farm, personal, and community practices to contend with weather extremes; and methods and modes of education and information delivery. This research aims to inform North Carolina Cooperative Extension programs, program development, and educational approaches toward climate responsive agricultural practice adoption, farmer stress/anxiety, and farmer leadership development. As part of this grant, an app will be developed, and this app will also be utilized to convey relevant health, stress, and NC AgrAbility information and to gather information from NC farmers. NCAP's services will be improved and deepened through three part-time (PT) specialized staff supported through NC A&T Cooperative Extension, representing a yearly expenditure by NC A&T Cooperative Extension of $58,000 for administrative staff (PI and Program Manager), and, a state grant pesticide fund potential support of $25,000 for a part-time field agent. NC AgrAbility program manager will continue assessments and recruitment, the latter with a focus on recruiting special populations clients, especially farmworkers and Latinx farmers. Part-time field agent for AgrAbility will focus on AT, Veterans, and farm site assessments. Agent will continue training and mentoring for a focus on refining in-house AT expertise. September 2023 - August 2024, NCAP will continue to engage its partners in service: Eastern Carolina University Agromedicine will continue to do on site farm assessments. NC Assistive Technology Program will continue to assess clients in need of potential assistive technology. Easter Seals UCP will conduct targeted public relations to commodity groups in NC for feature articles on NC AgrAbility and to have NC AgrAbility present at commodity events. NCAP anticipates continuing to serve 25 current Assistive Technology clients and fielding 40 additional farmers for assessments in this year of extension of the USDA-NIFA grant. In its renewed collaboration with the Veteran's Farm of North Carolina, nonprofit leadership and NCAP will work together to identify 25 military Veterans for services through NCAP services and the same or an additional 25 Veterans to participate in Ag Biz financial literacy through Ag South. NCAP will serve 15 farmworkers by either coordinating referrals or assisting with direct services. NCAP will serve two urban farmers. Continued recovery of service capacity after the gaps in face-to-face service during Covid remained an issue at the start of Year 4. Onboarding a new PI presented challenges of continuity and streamlining of approach. Partner organizations could not spend down subawards as quickly due to ongoing Covid restrictions. Lack of face to face presentations and tabling 2020 - 2022 impacted the number of referrals gained in 2022. 2023 represented the first full face to face year of NC AgrAbility at conferences and events since early 2020. The departure of the PI in 2020 led to the next PI not being onboarded until Feb. 2022 due to extreme delays at NC A&T in human resources capacity during Covid and a near standstill in getting full-time staff through hiring protocols. While Year 4 of NC AgrAbility saw a return to normal in terms of outreach (with more than 4000 potential clients approached), a lag in a conversion of potential clients exposed to NC AgrAbility and resulting referrals exists. This lag is being addressed through targeting presentations, PR, nonprofit partnerships, and Extension agents for NC AgrAbility to "work" rooms or to have readers/viewers ensured to be potential farmer clients. NC AgrAbility is working with partners to receive direct referrals for Veterans, farmworkers, and special populations clients.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 20 Assistive Technology clients served, resulting in $1,100,000 in direct net income saved in the State. 4000 North Carolinians reached with information about NC AgrAbility at agricultural events, conferences, workshops, presentations, and class presentations. NCAP directly educated 321 farmers, apprentice farmers, Veterans, and Extension professionals about the needs of farmers with disability and about NCAP. As part of the State Extension conference, conducted two deeper dive trainings for four NC Extension agents to develop expertise at identifying farmers in physical or mental struggle, how to approach farmers for follow up with NC AgrAbility, and how to refer farmers. NCAP educated 170+ AT therapists and clients about the needs of farmers with respect to AT as part of a virtual conference on AT in North Carolina. NCAP is now explicitly included as part of the work plan for NC A&T Cooperative Extension, ensuring its viability for continuity of service. NCAP and its services were evaluated for gaps, and, these gaps addressed in a plan for increasing client referrals through non-profit partners and Extension agents. NCAP revamped and improved its online presence through a new website and videos. NCAP developed a new more robust nonprofit partner, Easter Seals UCP, toward reaching potential clients in all 100 North Carolina counties and tribal lands. NCAP PI entered into mentorship with Missouri AgrAbility. NCAP is developing specific expertise in AT in a new field agent focused on AT, who is also in mentorship with Michigan AgrAbility. NCAP is developing refined recruitment expertise of a program manager with ? special populations directive as part of Agricultural and Natural Resources at NC A&T,, focusing on recruiting Latino farmers and farmworkers, in particular, and other underrepresented farmer and farmworker groups. Through assisting 20 farmers with assistive technology in North Carolina in Year 4, the public value of continued employment of these farmers represents $1,100,000 in direct net income value to the state. However, the impact of agricultural productions is not only valued in direct net (take home- after the bills are all paid) income, but also in money farmers spend with suppliers, ag dealers, farm equipment service agencies, etc. This can be expressed in a term called a "multiplier." These multipliers show not only direct income but the effect of a particular individual business owner in type and kind on the economy. For North Carolina, for example, a beef cattle operator has a Multiplier Beef cattle Dollar Multiplier (DM) of 2.24 and a Jobs Multiplier (JM) of 11.2. This means that for every one dollar spent by a beef cattle operator (prevalent throughout the state) this dollar impacts the economy as if 2.24 dollars were spent, and, this dollar affects and aids to support the employment of 11.2 people. For cotton, one dollar spent by a producer impacts the NC economy at a rate of 2.02 and helps to support 12.0 jobs. The loss of one NC farmer from production not only affects farmers and their families, but also results in job loss and income loss across the economy. Keeping 20 incoming client farmers with disabilities in production per year in NC through NCAP assistance and assistive technology would result in at minimum $1,200,000 direct income saved for the NC economy per year, and if these farmers were in cotton, result in an additional 240 jobs saved and result in 2.5 times the positive economic impact on the economy for that number of grain farmers (using the multipliers for grain farmers). (NC State University) North Carolina continues to shed farmers and 1000 fewer residents reported farming in 2021 than did in 2019 (to a low of 45,100) (USDA). Farmers quitting farming is a serious concern to the NC economy, and NC AgrAbility Partnership keeps farmers in active production. One of the focuses going forward for NCAP is turning more people exposed to NC AgrAbility and more of NC AgrAbility collaborative presentations into referrals for services. While NC AgrAbility has been following traditional means of outreach through farmer event tabling and through presentations, given the gap in referrals compared to the overwhelming success of tabling and presentations in terms of reaching North Carolinians, in-house at NCAP a refined focus on targeting rooms where farmers are guaranteed to be in attendance, and, through more robust partnering with a range of groups serving farmers, is currently in trial. Responding to this gap and the potential for service, and, based on current farmers served at other AgrAbility sites in other states in terms of assessments accomplished, NC AgrAbility has set a new client goal of 40 service assessments for its extended year 2023-2024, realizing that not all of those will result in assistive technology referrals.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Beatriz Rodriguez and Crystal Cook Marshall and Beverly Bowen .2022. AT for the Best Stewards of the Land, NCATP NC AT Virtual Expo Event.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Crystal Cook Marshall. 2023. Assistive Technology for Farmworkers and Farmers, Farmworker Institute, Raleigh, NC,
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Crystal Cook Marshall. 2023. Testing the Efficacy of Voluntary Signs for Farm Activities for Reducing Roadway Accidents and Fatalities, International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health Conference, Tampa, FL.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Rodriguez, B. M. (2023). Behavioral Change as a Key to Reducing Injuries in the Ag Workplace. Poster presentation at the Small Farm Field Day, Greensboro, NC.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rodriguez, B. M. (2022). Overcome Challenges and Continue Farming. Poster presentation at the 1890 Land-Grant Universities Association of Extension Administrators AEA Conference, Orlando, FL.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rodriguez, B. M. (2022). NC AgrAbility 11 Years: Success Stories. Poster presentation. Small Farm Field Day. Greensboro, NC.

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The North Carolina AgrAbility Partnership (NCAP) targets individuals farming and ranching with a disability, including physical, mental, or chronic illness that impairs their functional ability. Individuals include farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and family members across North Carolina. NCAP also targets healthcare providers, rehabilitation personnel, independent living specialists, extension agents, healthcare professionals, and students in the agricultural, engineering, and healthcare fields; as well as members of various communities of interest related to agriculture and disabilities needed to provide AgrAbility services across the state. This year, 2021-2022, the project continues increasing focus on minority, veteran, and disadvantaged farmers. There are more than 46,000 farms in North Carolina. Occupational deaths related to farming injuries and illnesses ranked fourth in NC. With this and COVID-19 in mind, the NCAP will continue to deliver professional services to increase farm safety and health and the likelihood that individuals challenged with a disability are able to engage in production agriculture and achieve a greater level of independence and quality of life. To accomplish this, the partnership has reached out to the farming, ranching, and farmworkers population as well as the service providers such as extension agents and rehabilitation counselors to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities working in agriculture. Therefore, the NCAP will increase workshops, training, and outreach events to the various populations and service providers' organizations. Changes/Problems:- NCAP aims to train VR counselors under their events and their virtual platform. They have been changing the platform which has delayed the process. - The low staff faced during 2021 made activities to slow down. NCAP has have 2 new hires in 2022; Dr. Crystal Cook Marshall, NCAP Director and NC Agromedicine Coordinator and Kelsey Kilgore NC Field Agent. - NC AgrAbility is planning in producing a series of short videos to support training and outreach but it is still in process. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?NCAP Partnership has provided training activities as listed in Objective 1. Professional development activities to staff, partners, and collaborators by participating and encouraging participation in: Certificate trainings: - March - Certified Mental Health First Aid - March- QPR training and certification -April - 1890 Extension Leadership Academy Attended several webinars from - Virtual NTW 2021 - AgrAbility Webinars - AgriSafe Network Trainings and webinars - Cooperative Extension Programs - Other SRAP webinars How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?NCAP contributes a monthly report of activities to the National AgrAbility through the e-Notes. NCAP reports to the NC Agromedicine Institute about the efforts made in promoting ag health and safety among farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and the rural communities. NCAP contributes to the quality of life research by participating with the National AgrAbility Project research efforts leaded by Dr. Robert Fetsch and the Colorado AgrAbility. The NCAP co-hosted the AgrAbility State Fair by sharing activities, services, partnership work, and more with farmers, service providers, AgrAbility staff, students, and other stakeholders participating in the event. NCAP encourage participation at learning events such as the NTW. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan for the upcoming year continues the same. NCAP has been working on marketing the program and it's expected to have an increase in the number of farmers applying for direct services. NCAP is looking for the possibility to start referring Veteran farmers that don't qualify for financial assistance through the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. NCAP will continue to look for opportunities to train rehabilitation counselors, extension agents, and any other service providers across the state. The yearly work-plan will continue to be a collaborative effort of all project personnel, the NCAP partners, and collaborators. In addition to serving as an instrument for monitoring project activities, reporting, conducting evaluations, and disseminating results, the work-plan will delineate responsibilities and provide a time frame for completion.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The NCAP has trained 15 more extension agents about the needs of individuals with disabilities and the resources available across the state. This time the extension agents were from NCSU. Through this training they became NCAP Ambassadors. The training took place at NC State Extension Conference 2021. NCAP has increased the student participation by working with doctorate OT students under MOUs with the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Sciences and the Methodist University. NCAP has been actively participating at the partners and collaborators events and is working in expanding the training capacity across the state. Due to the government assistance with the pandemic many grants have been created that can assist farmers with disabilities. The engagement with more Farmer Veterans groups and the Farmer Veteran Coalition NC Chapter has allowed increase visibility of the program. This is noticeable by the number of emails and phone calls received by them. NCAP has been serving 30 farmers with disabilities through direct services and many other individuals in providing information and connection with resources.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Brzozowski, R. J., Rodriguez, B., Miller, R., & Forstadt, L. A. (2022). Establishing and Using a Support Network for Individuals with Disabilities. Fact Sheet Publication. Oromo, ME, Greensboro, NC, and Logan, UT. https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2026e/
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Jinks, G. (2021). N.C. Assistive technology Program: A look at the Who, What, and How of AT, Keeping them Safe Workshop. June 22, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2021). Managing Common Agriculture Health Risk Factors. Keeping them Safe Workshop. June 22, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Kirk, Christey, and Jinks, Gloria. (2022). Growing the Collaborative Work to Better Serve the Needs of Farmers with Disabilities. Madison, WI, March 16, 2022.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rainone, L. (2022). Experiences of Farmer with a Spinal Cord Injury. Poster presentation. National Training Workshop. Madison, WI, March 15, 2022.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Hairston, E. K., Rodriguez, B., Cook Marshall, C. A. (2022). Expanding Networking and Outreach through Social Media. Poster presentation. National Training Workshop. Madison, WI, March 15, 2022.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: CAT CAES News (2022). NCAP Partnership Helps Keep Farmers on the Land They Love. March 22, 2022.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Koger, T., Oaks, C., and Wilburn, J. (2021). Addressing Limitations in Agriculture: NCAP Partnership. NC State Extension Conference. October 26, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Koger, T., Oaks, C., and Wilburn, J. (2021). Agriculture: A Critical and Vital Occupation. NC Rehabilitation Association Conference - 65th Annual and 1st Virtual NCRA Training Conference. October 28, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2021). Taking Care of the Most Important Tool: Your Body. 2021 Sustainable Agriculture Conference. Durham, NC, November 5-15, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2022). Cultural Humility and AgrAbility in the Latino Community. 2022 National Training Workshop. Madison, WI, March 15, 2022.

Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The North Carolina AgrAbility Partnership (NCAP) targets individuals farming and ranching with a disability, including physical, mental, or chronic illness that impairs their functional ability. Individuals include farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and family members across North Carolina. NCAP also targets healthcare providers, rehabilitation personnel, independent living specialists, extension agents, health care professionals, and students in the agricultural, engineering, and health care fields; as well as members of various communities of interest related to agriculture and disabilities needed to provide AgrAbility services across the state. This year, 2021-2022, the project continues increasing focus on minority, veteran and disadvantaged farmers. There are more than 46,000 farms in North Carolina. Occupational deaths related to farming injuries and illnesses ranked fourth in NC. With this and COVID-19 in mind, the NCAP will continue to deliver professional services to increase farm safety and health and the likelihood that individuals challenged with a disability are able to engage in production agriculture and achieve a greater level of independence and quality of life. To accomplish this, the partnership has reached out to the farming, ranching, and farmworkers population as well as the service providers such as extension agents and rehabilitation counselors to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities working in agriculture. Therefore, the NCAP will increase workshops, trainings, and outreach events to the various populations and service providers' organizations. Changes/Problems: Due to the COVID 19 restrictions and the inability to hire new personnel, the project has some unspent funds that will be utilized in hiring a Field Agent that will reinforce the various activities in serving the needs of farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers with disabilities. In the same token, the travel restrictions have affected the ability to spend the Travel funds. The funds will be utilized to create videos portraying the success stories of farmers who have gained the ability to operate their farms more efficiently and improve their overall quality of life. NC AgrAbility Graduate Assistant Alexea Davis-Mitchell graduated as Agricultural Education Professional Service on May 9, 2021. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?NC AgrAbility Partnership has provided training activities as listed in Objective 1. Professional development activities to staff, partners, and collaborators by participating and encouraging participation in: Certificate trainings: - October 2020 - Empowered to Lead: Women in Higher Education conference. NCA&T - March- 2021 Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week. Alliance an OSHA Cooperative Program. - Mental Health First Aid Training. Mississippi Extension. -April - Langeving Training: Instructional Design for the Virtual Trainer. Facilitated by NCA&T. - May - Farm Labor Supervisor COVID-19 Safety Updates Training- How to Reduce Risks and Protect Your People - UFL. Webinars: 2020 - June - Don't sleep on sleep: How sleeping can impact brain functioning. -Training Your Immune System: Outlining the Effects of Exercise on Immune Function. - Making Your Habits Stick: All you need to establish lasting behavior change - Move your way to a better day: How exercise can combat stress, anxiety and depression - The ins and Outs of Menopause. Summer Self Care Series. Illinois Extension. July - Mental Health in Farm and Ranch Country: How communities can help. -July 26, 2020. New Fabrication tools, materials, and techniques for making AT solutions in minutes. GA AgrAbility. - Copying with Depression. NCA&T Lunch and Learn Series. - COVID-19 Update: What you need to know about Testing, Contact Tracing and Vaccines. Wake Health. - Communicating with Farmers Under Stress. National AgrAbility. - Providing Mental Health Telehealth Services in Farming and Rural Communities. - Reducing Anti-Nutrients Related to Wheat Digestibility. AURI. August - August 26, 2020. Roots of the Soil: Strategies and Resources for Succession Planning. LIFE Project Webinar. - Reducing the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Prenatal Illness for Female Agricultural Producers. AgriSafe Network. - Growing Specialty Vegetables for Ethnic Markets in North Carolina. NCA&T Extension Extended Webinar Series. - How to Model "Diseases" and use those Models to drive timely decisions and actions that produce rapid benefits. Industrial. IIES. - VEBCOG/AGVET meet and greet educational training event. - Ergonomic Safety for Farm Women. AgriSafe Network. September - Financing Resilient Agriculture. Working Lands - Environmental Protection Fund. - Safety in the Field: Addressing Workplace Sexual Harassment for Farm Workers. AgriSafe Network. - Lessons Learned in COVID-19 Prevention Efforts among Ag Workers and Employers. AgriSafe Network. - November - KYSU Small, Limited-Resource, Minority Farmers Conference 2021 -February - Teaching Older Adults Technology during COVID: Wyoming's Tech2Connect Project. NTW - Worksite Assessment Networking. NTW. - Tools & Strategies to Work Smarter Not Harder. NTW. - Enhancing AgrAbility Services Through Preparing Successful Requests for Funding. NTW. - Talking to Farmers About Their Pain. AgriSafe - Stressors and Resources for Farm/Ranch Families with Disabilities. National AgrAbility. - Pandemic Teaching: From Mutation to Evolution. NCA&T March - Assistive Technology - Programs and Partners for Making Technology Happen - Are Clients Slipping Through the Cracks? NTW. - Communicating with Farmers Under Stress. NTW. - Low Cost Farm Assistive Technology. NTW - Best Practices when working with Service Connected Disabled Veterans. NTW - Herramienta Educativa de NC State Extensión: Prevención y vacunación del COVID-19 para trabajadores agrícolas (Spanish Session). NCSU Cooperative Extension. - Addressing Military Needs in Agriculture. AgriSafe Network. - Rural Heat Challenges & Interventions. CHHC. - Examining the Diversity Aspect of the Diversity and Inclusion Relationship. April - Table Talk: Assistive Tech for Women in Ag. NTW. - Food for Thought: Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis. Springtime Science Series. University of Illinois. - From Policy to Practice: Addressing Latinx Mental Health Disparities at All Levels. El Futuro: La Mesita. - Safe Livestock Handling and Labor-Saving Devices. NTW. - Can we reduce fat-uptake in deep-fat fried meat products? NCA&T-CAES. - Practical Solutions for Heat-Related Illness Prevention for Agriculture. CHHC. - Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP) Network Quarterly Meeting. UC Davis. - Safe Livestock Handling and Labor-Saving Devices. NTW. - Tips for Aging Farmers & Ranchers. NTW. - Working with Farm Media to Promote AgrAbility and other Ag Organizations. NTW. - Attended ADA Live: Episode 92: Let's Dig-In: The ADA, Accessible Farming & Gardening. May - Presentation in Spanish. Train the Trainer Cultivating Healthy Mind. AgriSafe Network. 4th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day symposium. National Council on Aging. African American Farmers: Stress Issues and Solutions. National AgrAbility Program. Asking the Right Questions and Finding the Right Resources for Rural Caregivers. NTW. Train the Trainer- Cultivating a Healthy Mind. AgriSafe Network. Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive. AgriSafe Network. Wearable Technology Solutions for Health, Wellness and Safety in Agricultural Work. AgLabor. Farmer Mental Health Trends, Risk Factors, and Stress Reduction Technique "Mindful Living." NTW. Low-Tech Assistive Technology at Home and Abroad. NTW. Statistics in Schools - Bringing Census Bureau Data to the Classrooms. Census.gov Considerations in Choosing the Right After-Market Tractor Seat Cushion. NTW. Safety Sensitivity of Opioid Use in High Hazardous Industries Such as Agriculture. AgriSafe Network. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?NCAP contributed a monthly report of activities to the National AgrAbility through the e-Notes. NCAP reports to the NC Agromedicine Institute about the efforts made in promoting Ag health and safety among farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and the rural communities. NCAP contributed to the quality of life research by participating with the National AgrAbility Project research efforts leaded by Dr. Robert Fetsch and the Colorado AgrAbility. The NCAP co-hosted the AgrAbility State Fair by sharing activities, services, partnership work, and more with farmers, service providers, AgrAbility staff, students, and other stakeholders participating in the event. NCAP joined efforts with the National AgrAbility and the LIFE project in disseminating information about the 1890 Institutions and the outreach efforts to disadvantaged and minority farmers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The plan for the upcoming year continues the same. NCAP has been working on marketing the program and it's expected to have an increase in the number of farmers applying for direct services. NCAP is looking for the possibility to start referring Veteran farmers that don't quality for financial assistance through the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. NCAP will continue to look for opportunities to train rehabilitation counselors, extension agents, and any other service providers across the state. The yearly work-plan will continue to be a collaborative effort of all project personnel, the NCAP partners, and collaborators. In addition to serving as an instrument for monitoring project activities, reporting, conducting evaluations, and disseminating results, the work-plan will delineate responsibilities and provide a time frame for completion.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The NCAP has trained twenty-five extension agents about the needs of individuals with disabilities and the resources available across the state. Through this training they became NCAP Ambassadors. The training took place at the NCA&T Faculty and Staff Institute in 2020. NCAP has been working closer to the Farmer Veterans groups and the Farmer Veteran Coalition NC Chapter. Through this strong connection NCAP was able to bring the NC Division of Vocational Services and the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) along with the NC Assistive Technology Program together at a panel session at the FVC NC Chapter Spring Educational Conference. Consequently, the number of referrals from this group has increased. NCAP has joined the NC Commerce in providing information about NC AgrAbility and services available to farmworkers. NCAP has joined AgrAbility Virginia on a marketing campaign to create awareness about the services available to individuals with disabilities working in agriculture. NCAP has been serving 23 farmers with disabilities through direct services and many other individuals in providing information and connection with resources.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Minus, K., Woods, J., Roberts, R., English, C., & Rodriguez, B. (2021). Empowering the caregiver network of farmers with a disability: A case study of the North Carolina AgrAbility project. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2(1), 95-106.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Brzozowski, R. J. & Miller, R. (2021). Using Checklists to Increase Productivity as a Farmer/Rancher. Fact Sheet Publication. Greensboro, NC; Oromo, ME, and Logan, UT.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2021). Como Prevenir Lesionarse. Virtual presentation session presented at the IHM International Club Learning Series. High Point, NC, May 15, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2021). Managing Common Agriculture Health Risk Factors. Virtual presentation offered at the Keeping Them Safe Program. May 1, 2021.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2021). Ergonomics in High Tunnels. Virtual presentation session presented at the AgriShop Series. February 22, 2021.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Rodriguez, B. (2020). NC AgrAbility Partnership and Services to Farmworkers. Presentation session presented at the NC Commerce Agricultural Services Annual Conference. November 16, 18, and 20.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Davis-Mitchell, A. (2020). North Carolina AgrAbility: Serving Veterans in Agriculture. Farmer Veteran Coalition  2020 Conference, Farming Through Adversity. November 18-19, 2020.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Davis-Mitchell, A. (2020). Improving the Quality of Life of Farmers with Disabilities in North Carolina. Sustainable Agriculture Conference. November 4-8, 2020.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Rodriguez, B., Koger, T. Tribble, J., Brinks, S., Miller, J., Oaks, C., Landis, W., Smith, C., Elliott, R., Singleton, L. (2020). Collaborative Work with Partners and Other Organizations. Presentation session presented at the AgrAbility LIFE Project 1890 Institutions Workshop. November 5, 2020.
• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2020 Citation: Rodriguez, B. Koger, T. Oaks, C. Wilburn, J. Davis-Mitchell, Alexea. (2020). Ambassador Training: Helping Farmers Overcome Disabilities. NC A&T SU Cooperative Extension Faculty and Staff Institute. Greensboro, NC, August 12, 2020.

Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience: The North Carolina AgrAbility Partnership (NCAP) targets individuals farming and ranching with a disability, including physical, mental, or chronic illness that impairs their functional ability. Individuals include farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and family members across NC. NCAP also targets healthcare providers, rehabilitation personnel, independent living specialists, extension agents, health care professionals, and students in the agricultural, engineering, and health care fields; as well as members of various communities of interest related to agriculture and disabilities needed to provide AgrAbility services across the state. This year, 2019-2020, the project began an increasing focus on minority, veteran and disadvantaged farmers. There are more than 52,000 farms in North Carolina. Occupational deaths related to farming injuries and illnesses ranked fourth in NC. With this and COVID-19 in mind, the NCAP will continue to deliver professional services to increase farm safety and health and the likelihood that individuals challenged with a disability are more able to engage in production agriculture or ranching and achieve a greater level of independence and quality of life. To accomplish this, the partnership has reached out to the veteran farming and the Hispanic farm worker population. Additionally, it will increase workshops, trainings, and outreach events to specific populations with farmers who are stressed due to new laws, weather events, and changes in the climate. Changes/Problems: NC AgrAbility Director changed from Dr. Crystal Kyle to Beatriz Rodriguez.Dr, Crystal Kyle will no longer being working for the University. COVID-19 Pandemic has put a hiring stop on any new hires. We will seek a manager when the "no hire" is lifted. Murphy Deming School senior, Hagan Kiser graduated. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Dr. Crystal Kyle participated and was trained in two suicide prevention areas. This training will greatly assist with educational materials and with working with farmers and farmer veterans. Two populations that have a high rate of suicide and suicide attempts. 2019 A Strategic Planning Approach to Suicide Prevention National Suicide Prevention Resource Center 2019 Counseling on Access to Lethal Means National Suicide Prevention Resource Center 2020 Online Risk and Security Virginia Tech NC AgrAbility staff has been trained on 2019 Wearable Technology: A Lift Assist Case Study Applied Ergonomics Conference Webinar Series 2019 Stress on the Farm: Getting Through and Thriving Virginia Tech/Virginia Cooperative Extension 2019 Protecting Your Health and Safety as the Years Go by Virginia Tech/Virginia Cooperative Extension 2019 UAVs: What are drones and how are they used in agriculture? National AgrAbility Program 2019 Understanding the Tractor Factor AgriSafe Network 2019 Ergonomic Safety for Farm Women AgriSafe Network 2019 Ability Garden in Wilmington, NC. Heather Kelejian program director, New Hanover County Cooperative Extension 2019 EndNote Basic Course - NCA&T Bluford Library. 2019 AgVentures grants - NCSU 2020 Grants 101 - IRC NC A&T State University. 2020 Getting to Know NSF - IRC NC A&T State University. 2020 AgrAbility Virtual National Training Workshop (VNTW), AgrAbility and Agricultural All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Applications of Cultural Humility in Everyday AgrAbility Low-Tech Assistive Technology for Farmers Worldwide USDA's AgVets Program and Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Program In the Field: Case Study Examples on the Benefit of Collaboration Between AT Act Programs and AgrAbility Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers and Veteran Farmers & Ranchers 2020 The Farm Theatre Training - NC Agromedicine Institute. 2020 Agritourism Safety in Virginia Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Initiative of Virginia Cooperative Extension. 2020 Smart technology in agriculture & the home: what is it and what is its impact on safety and efficiency? - National AgrAbility Webinar Series. 2020 What Ag Producers Need to Know about COVID19 2020 Extension Role in Supporting CDC 2020 Everyday Assistive Technology for People with Serious Mental Illness 2020 AgrAbility Webinar Series: Smart Technology in Agriculture and the Home 2020 Back to the Future - Using Mass Media for Extension Messaging 2020 Business Continuity Strategies by IISE - Ergonomic Society 2020 Precision Technologies for Managing Manure 2020 National MarketMaker Program 2020 Stress and Safety: Decrease One and Decrease the Other 2020 Multifarm Direct to consumer marketing collaborators Part I and Part II 2020 To Care is to Honor: Understanding the Unique Healthcare Needs of Veteran Farmers 2020 The Joy of Search: A Google Insider's Guide to Going Beyond the Basics Page 9 of 11 2020 AgriSafe Network: COVID 19 Ag Task Force 2020 Behavioral Health Planning: A Key to Farming in the Era of COVID-19 2020 Supporting our Essential Farmworkers & Meat and Poultry Processing Plants Workers during COVID-19 2020 FY 2020 Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Applicant How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Each month, we contribute to the National AgrAbility Report via Chuck Baldwin, and we also submit a running report to the Associate Administrator of Cooperative Extension at NC A&T State University. Extension Extended documents and webinars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?There is no change to the objectives or work plan. The yearly work-plan will continue to be a collaborative effort of all project personnel, the NCAP partners, advisory board and collaborators. In addition to serving as an instrument for monitoring project activities, reporting, conducting evaluations, and disseminating results, the work-plan will delineate responsibilities and provide a time frame for completion.?

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? OBJECTIVE 1: September 11, 2019, Morganton, NC. NC AgrAbility was invited to train NRCS agents on how to work with Veterans and Disabled farmers at the NRCS annual meeting. The event was attended by around 45 NRCS agents from the Western region in NC. October 8, 2019, Goldsboro, we provided training to the Whitaker Farm Group on "How to Prevent Injuries While Working in the Farm or Garden" a group of 15 farmers received training. October 22, 2019 Warrenton, NC. Client 645 (Veteran Farmer) owner of JAC Farm Representatives of NC AgrAbility, Warren County Cooperative Extension, and Vocational Rehabilitation presented about their programs and services to about 40 farmers. January 27-28, 2020, Carthage, NC. NC AgrAbility participated at the Peach Growers Society workshop and annual meeting at Moore County Cooperative Extension. NC AgrAbility is working close with this group in evaluating ergonomic risk factors and how to prevent injuries while pruning and trimming orchards. February 29, 2020. NC AgrAbility attended the Community Garden Workshop OBJECTIVE 2: Beatriz Rodriguez is serving as Secretary of the NC Farmworker Health Program NCFHP Governing Board. The Board meets once per month. On September 19, 2019 Beatriz participated at the NCFHP 25-year celebration. On October 4, 2019 New Bern, NC. NC AgrAbility met with Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic Garden director, Lovay Singleton about collaboration. October 22, 2019. Dr. Kyle, Alyssa McKim, and Beatriz Rodriguez visited the Ability Garden in Wilmington, NC. December 13, 2019. Participated in a training about NCSU AgVentures grants seeking for financial assistance opportunities for farmers with disabilities. NC AgrAbility is working with Peacehaven Farm in creating a network of collaboration for farmers with developmental disabilities. February 19, 2020. NC AgrAbility started a collaborative work with Dr. Jason Ward professor of Analytical Methods in Engineering Design at NC State University. February 19, 2020. NC AgrAbility started a collaborative work with Dr. Jason Ward professor of Analytical Methods in Engineering Design at NC State University. December 6, 2019, Raleigh, NC. Provided a lecture to the NCSU Bio Engineering Students for the Ag Safety Class. The lecture was about NC AgrAbility Program and How to Prevent Injuries in the Ag Workplace. 11 students participated NC AgrAbility Advisory Board met for the first time in the new cycle on September 18, 2019. The board gained 7 new members NC AgrAbility is holding monthly Case Management Meetings with partners NC AgrAbility has held 2 of the quarterly meetings. September 20, 2019. NC AgrAbility was invited to the NCA&T County Operations Zoom Meeting. At this meeting, County Extension Directors and County Extension Agents had the opportunity to learn more about the services provided by NC AgrAbility and how to refer farmers to the program for direct services. NC AgrAbility participated as an exhibitor and a presenter at the Assistive Technology Vendor EXPO in Raleigh, NC on September 26, 2019. 300 participants. September 21, 2019. Dr. We were invited as Keynote speakers at the Beekeepers and Farmers Conference at the Hill Family Farm and Educational Center in Whitakers, NC. 40 participants NC AgrAbility is working on creating a virtual platform where all the NC AgrAbility clients can be part of. This virtual platform will allow to facilitate the "Farmer Peer Support Networking Activity." •This year, 7 new clients participated in the pre-McGill Survey. OBJECTIVE 3: Presentations have been provided about the NC AgrAbility services and how to refer farmers to: NRCS agents, Cooperative Extension Agents, CFSA NCFHP and other agencies working with minorities and veteran farmers. This year, 7 new clients and 11 continuing clients are in the process of receiving direct services from NC AgrAbility OBJECTIVE 4: Hagan Kiser (PhD student) developed a YouTube video Ergonomics in Farming video to teach how ergonomics can help to decrease the risk of such injuries. She also presented a poster entitled: Occupational Therapy and AgrAbility and she prepared a fact sheet: "Do you have a farmworker that has been injured?" The following documents were prepared by Dr. Kyle and Beatriz Rodriguez for the NCA&T website to be published under the Extension Extended COVID19 resources page: The Seven Sun-Safe Tips for Farmers and Gardeners, Safety Tips for your Farm and Garden, The Many Benefits of Agriculture, https://www.ncat.edu/caes/cooperative-extension/covid-19/user-friendly-technology. May 14, 2020. Beatriz Rodriguez presented at National AgrAbility Webinar Series: Agriculture and Disabilities Outside the US- An International Panel Discussion. NC AgrAbility Assistant, Alexea Davis-Mitchell updates the NC AgrAbility webpage

Publications

• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: One-time Publications " Kyle, C. (2019). Military cultural and symbolic ties to objects and self in agricultural settings. Presentation session presented at the 2019 Farmer Veteran Coalition Stakeholder Conference, Austin, TX, November 18, 2019. " Kyle, C. Rodriquez, B. (2019). Working with military veterans with disabilities. NC- NRCS training, Raleigh, NC, September 11, 2019. " Kyle, C., Elliott, R. (2019). Agriculture therapy for military veterans. NC Governors Working Group, Raleigh, NC, August 22, 2019. " Kyle, C. (2019). Considering compounded stress that military veterans face in agriculture. International Society of Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) Conference, Des Moines, IA. " Rodriguez, B. Kyle, C. (2019). How to Prevent Injuries While Working in the Farm or Garden. Whitaker Farm Group Training. Goldsboro, NC. October 8, 2019. " Kiser, H. (2020). Ergonomics in Farming YouTube video. " Kiser, H. Kyle, C. Rodriguez, B. (2020). Occupational Therapy and AgrAbility. Poster prepared for the 2020 NTW. " Rodriguez, B. (2020). Garden Safety: How to Stay Safe in Your Garden. Webinar presented at the NCA&T Extension Extended Virtual Series. " Rodriguez, B. (2020). Agriculture and Disabilities in Colombia. Webinar presentation as part of a group of panelist participating at the National AgrAbility Webinar Series: Agriculture and Disabilities Outside the US- An International Panel Discussion. " Kyle, C. (2020). 11 suggestions to managing pts during the covid 19 crisis. NCA&T Extension Extended. " Kyle, C. (2020). Garden Safety: General safety tips for your farm and garden. NCA&T Extension Extended. " Kyle, C. (2020). Garden Safety: The many benefits of agriculture. NCA&T Extension Extended. " Kyle, C. (2020). Seven sun safe tips for farmers and gardeners. NCA&T Extension Extended. " Kyle, C. Elliot, R. Tutor, R. (2020). An agricultural resource guide for nc farmers-revised.