The Illinois AgrAbility Unlimited program received notification of two significant contributions to the AgrAbility program. GROWMARK, a large agricultural cooperative, recently notified Bob Aherin, program director, and the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACSES) Foundation, that they are making a $50,000 commitment to the program over the next five years. They will be providing $10,000 each year starting with the first contribution that was included with the notification. Additionally, 1st Farm Credit Services, who has made annual contributions to the program over the past five years, notified Dr. Aherin that they have selected the program to be awarded $5,000 for this year.
The Illinois AgrAbility program advisory committee recently met to review the progress of new initiatives. This included enhancing the program's relationships with Illinois veterans through AgrAbility's membership with a new statewide group called the Farmer-Veteran Coalition Statewide Working Group, and individual meetings with county Veteran Affairs offices. Other initiatives include new sustainability efforts and enhanced efforts to reach Illinois migrant workers.
Submitted by Bob Aherin