MADISON, Wis. — Easterseals Wisconsin’s FARM Program and its partner, AgrAbility of Wisconsin, have provided services to farmers with disabilities in Wisconsin since 1989. Since the program’s inception, over 3,000 farmers in the state have received services.
The FARM Program recently received a three-year grant funded by the USDA’s 2501 Program. The grant will help provide outreach to current and new Wisconsin veteran farmers and Socially Disadvantaged (SDA) farmers and ranchers with awareness of, increased access to, and participation in USDA programs and services within the three-year project period.
The 2501 Program was created through the 1990 Farm Bill to help SDA farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA loans, grants, training, and technical assistance. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program’s reach to veterans. Grants are awarded to higher education institutions and nonprofit and community-based organizations to extend USDA’s engagement efforts in these communities.
This is the second time the FARM Program has been awarded the grant. As was the focus during the first grant period, the FARM Program Specialists will continue to identify qualifying farmers and connect them with resources and the possibility of USDA funding. Since 2010, the 2501 program has awarded 615 grants totaling more than $194 million.
Interested veteran farmers and SDA farmers and ranchers can contact Jeff Kratochwill, Easterseals Wisconsin Director of FARM and Vocational Services, at 608-279-9436 or jkratochwill@eastersealswisconsin.com. For more information about AgrAbility of Wisconsin, please call 608-262-9339.
For nearly a century, Easterseals Wisconsin has provided services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Easterseals Wisconsin’s primary services – vocational rehabilitation, respite services, camping and recreation, information and referral, and public education – benefit close to 10,000 individuals with disabilities and their families each year throughout Wisconsin.
— Easterseals Wisconsin