Pennsylvania

In 1947, J. I. Rodale wrote on a chalkboard: "Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People."

AgrAbility PA staffers Abbie Spackman and Kendra Martin presented to the Rodale Institute staff about how AgrAbility works with farmers and ag workers: assistive technology, services available to all farmers, and resources specific to new or beginning farmers and veterans interested in agriculture. Rodale has a great Veteran Farmer Training Program.

AgrAbility PA staff toured Rodale's farm and learned more about organic farming, including raising pork! The visit ended with a view of their farming system trials that have been studying conventional vs. organic methods since the early 1980s.

Rodale is often referred to as "pioneers of the organic movement": https://rodaleinstitute.org/

AgrAbility PA provided information and resources at the Kane Area Logging Safety spring meeting in Elk County, PA. This event brought together over 100 individuals and businesses in the logging industry. AgrAbility staff provided a wide range of information but focused on back health, hand safety, health, and assistive technology for the logging industry.

AgrAbility PA staffer Jackie Wardle represented the project at Pennsylvania's 2nd Statewide Latino Health Summit. The event was held on April 17 and 18. During the event, Jackie connected with a number of agencies that work with the Latino community and farming. Jackie also spoke with individuals who were attending the health summit to gain information. Information was shared in English and Spanish, including several pieces of content translated by AgrAbility PA's graduate assistant Carolyn Henzi and a daily stretching video created by Carolyn in both languages, including subtitles.

Submitted by Abbie Spackman