Resources for socially or physically disadvantaged farmers
At Rural Roots we believe ALL farmers should be treated with dignity and respect. Farmers often toil alone and receive little support. Receive mentorship, advice and financial aid from these organizations.
Do you need help making your farm more accessible due to a disability?
The AgrAbility Project is a national program that mentors and assists farmers who have disabilities. They help modify farms and production methods to suit the farmer's needs. Financial assistance may be available.
Are you a veteran who wants to start an agrobusiness or farm?
Chris Bailey, US Air Force veteran, stands next to a pink tractor at the Whitman County Fair.
The Farmer Veteran Coalition helps returning veterans begin agriculture careers and find peace and healing through growing on America’s farms.
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund small grant program has awarded almost $2.5 million in small grants to over 600 veterans. Grants are normally between $1,000-5,000 and can be used to purchase equiptment or other farming needs.
Are you a woman farmer?
The Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) supports women in sustainable agriculture. They also support women in leadership roles.
WFAN’s Women Caring for the Land program is a conservation education program for women who own farmland.
Are you a tribal member?
The Intertribal Agriculture Council works with Native American and Alaskan Tribes. Their goals are to provide technical assistance and promote conservation, development and use of agricultural resources for the betterment of their members.
Check out their resource page.
Are you a migrant, veteran, novice or socially disadvantaged farmer?
The National Immigrant Farming Initiative works with beginning, immigrant, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers to help them farm successfully and to advance sustainable farming and food systems.
Their program includes:
Technical assistance: A NIFI agronomist provides growers with free help to develop strategies, address any concerns, and find viable solutions to problems.
Are you a black farmer in the South?
The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund works to preserve black-owned land in the South. It uses cooperatives and advocates for economic development in low-income communities.
Have you been exposed to asbestos?
Farmers can become exposed to asbestos through soil, vermiculite and products on farming equipment and machinery. Find out what products contain asbestos and how to keep yourself safe at Asbestos.com
This organization gives out free informational books and packets. they have a Patient Advocacy program that works with people who have cancer caused by asbestos exposure exposure to help them find local doctors, treatment centers and support groups.
MENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Do you need help now?
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) for free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all across the USA.
The Lifeline is a national network of over 170 local crisis centers. You do not have to be suicidal to call. People are social. It is ok to need to talk or text with another helpful person.
You can text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime if you do not want to call. Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor will respond to your text from a secure online platform.
You have value. Please call if you are in emotional distress or depressed.
Do you or a loved one have a drug or alcohol addiction?
Many people in rural communities have problems with drug, opioids, Benzodiazepines or alcohol use. You are not the only one.
Addiction can take many forms. Pain medication may have been prescribed to you and now you are hooked. One beer a night may have turned into a dozen. You may have experienced trauma that your addiction helps you forget.
Don't let addiction ruin your life and that of your loved ones.
Reach out to Rehabspot.
You can chat on their website, call them at 855.965.0841 or ask them to call you (there is a box to fill in at the website).
Many people struggling with addiction feel that they are alone or that they can't afford to pay for treatment. Use this website to find out your options and search for available facilities. There even may be government programs or other services available to help you recover and/or pay for some or all services.
Remember, life can get better. You don't have to live with this milestone on your back.
Rehabspot has a ton of great information for people with addictions or their loved ones including healing for the body and soul.
For those who want to know what to expect at a treatment facility, you will find a very detailed description from check in to check out.