North Carolina

Center for Environmental Farming Systems students "Whitaker Farm Group" graduated in ceremony on April 10. NC AgrAbility participated at the ceremony and provided support to the programs working with existing and new beginning farmers and veterans who want to engage in agriculture as their next mission.

NC AgrAbility participated as an exhibitor at the Union County's Thirteenth Annual Transition Fair, "Embracing Transition", on April 11. At this event, Beatriz Rodriguez was able to reach high school students from more than 10 institutions in Monroe. Students had the chance to learn about AgrAbility and were encouraged to follow agriculture as a viable occupation.

On April 25, NC AgrAbility participated as an exhibitor at the NCFHP Farmworker Institute Summit and Network Event in Raleigh, NC. Through this event, about 150 professionals working with farmworkers learned about the services and resources available through NC AgrAbility to improve the quality of life for people working in agriculture.

April 16, 18, and 25, NC AgrAbility, NC Agromedicine, and NC Soldier to Agriculture Program trained farmers, ranchers and other ag workers through the NC Farmer Resources Workshop. These events are part of a series of six presentations across NC. The training was designed and delivered by Dr. Crystal Kyle, Dr. Robin Tutor-Marcom, and Robert Elliott.

On April 24, the National AgrAbility Project facilitated a webinar named "State Assistive Technology Act Programs and AgrAbility Partnerships." The webinar was presented by Marty Exline, director of the Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3) Center, Beatriz Rodriguez, manager of the NC AgrAbility Partnership Project, and Tammy Koger, director of the NC Assistive Technology Program. The topics included activities/services provided by AT Act programs, how to access the AT Act program in your state, examples of collaborations between state AT Act programs and AgrAbility projects, and benefits of partnerships between state AT and AgrAbility programs, such as in North Carolina. Approximately 55 people attended the webinar.

April 26, NC AgrAbility Partnership held the quarterly partners meeting at Peacehaven Farm in Whitsett, NC. NC AgrAbility also had the chance to talk to Peacehaven Farm Chief Executive Officer Buck Cochran about possible collaborative work between the two organizations. Peacehaven hosted a tour provided by Timber Beeninga, coordinator of community engagement, and a delicious lunch.

Submitted by Beatriz (Betty) Rodriguez