California

California AgrAbility staff attended the monthly RISE Collaborative Meeting. Featured spotlight was the Yolo Agricultural Commissioner. That office manages commercial and agricultural use of pesticides and chemicals for farm operations. The agricultural commissioner office also does trainings and inspections in relation to pesticide use and reports illness due to pesticide use. California AgrAbility shared news about the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program. Representatives from the Department of Rehabilitation, Resources for Independent Living, Empower Yolo, Yolo County, RISE Inc., ORALE, and other organizations were present.

California AgrAbility staff participated in a two-part webinar series presented by Maine AgrAbility. The first of the two webinars highlighted farming with assistive technology to improve physical, mental, and business health on the farm. Assistive technology tools and devices presented included wearables such as watches, cameras, motion and light sensors, and location devices. The second half of the series focused on the importance of assistive technology for farmers with brain injuries and the many benefits of assistive technology for farmers working with disabilities. Assistive technology allows farmers to continue to run their farms safely while helping to minimize stress and enhance their businesses.

California AgrAbility staff participated in Mississippi State University's "R is for Rural and Resilience" webinar series. Guest speakers Angie and June Provost of Provost Farms shared their story of land loss and personal resilience. They discussed the psychological and physical effect of structural racism in agriculture and the need for reparations and policy change to improve community wealth and improve overall quality of life and health. Angie and June emphasized the importance of improved agricultural policies to support asset gains and bridge the gap created over generations. While the Provosts have faced great loss, they continue to fight for fair agricultural policies and are hopeful that new legislation aimed at supporting minority farmers will lead to a healthy and productive farming environment.

Submitted by Sara Wat