New Staff Training

AgrAbility NTW Minneapolis, MN

April 8, 2013

Aida Balsano, Ph.D. National Program Leader

Division of Family and Consumer Sciences

History of AgrAbility

• Modeled after state programs that assisted agricultural workers in VT, IA, and IN

• Authorized through the 1990 Farm Bill

• Grown from 8 awards in 1991 to 23 awards in 2011 totaling $4.6 million

• Appropriated under Smith-Lever 3(d)

AgrAbility Priorities

• Assists farmers and ranchers with disabilities

• Provides direct services through education, assistance and support

• Develops service capacity

• Encourages networking

NIFA and AgrAbility

• Provide fair, effective, and efficient administration of Federal assistance

• Satisfy Legislative and Executive branches

• Collect data to justify continuing programs

Federal Level Functions

• Provide program oversight

• Ensure federal dollars are spent and managed appropriately

• Ensure fair and objective review of proposals

• Communicate program successes and impacts to USDA and Congress

AgrAbility Funds DO Support• Education—long term investment strategy

– Accommodating disabilities and avoiding secondary injuries

– Directed towards health, farm, and government service providers

• Networking– Sharing of information and provision of services– Customers, peer supporters, volunteers,

stakeholders, other funding organizations, etc.

AgrAbility Funds DO Support

• Assistance– Focuses on individualized consultative services

increasing likelihood of client’s success in farm operation

– Includes client and others working at same place

• Marketing– Increasing awareness of AgrAbility and its

initiatives

OutcomesIncreased knowledge of practices and activities Increased assistance optionsImproved modifications that increase

independence and productivityIncreased chance for successful involvement in

production agriculture

AgrAbility Funds DO NOT Support

• Paying for assistive technology or other farm site modifications

• Soliciting other federal funds

• Paying tuition or student fees

• Paying overhead or indirect cost• Conducting research (work must remain within

accepted bounds of Extension)

Reminders

• Inform NIFA if you have a change in or reorganization of project staff

• Submit progress reports on time

• Keep your directors, colleagues, and NIFA informed of any significant recognition of your project

New Reporting System

• Current Research Information System (CRIS) reporting system available until 4/15.

• New reporting system – REEport • May 6th

• Trainings and Web-based help sessions upcoming

REEport

• CRIS and REEport contact: Adam Preuter

202-690-0124 or apreuter@nifa.usda.gov

http://www.nifa.usda.gov/business/pdfs/reeport_user_manual.pdf

http://www.nifa.usda.gov/business/reeport_imp.html

Q and As

• When is my annual report due?

Reports are due 90 days prior* to the expiration date of the current grant.

Q and As

• What do I need to include in my reports?

Outputs, impacts, progress, project modifications and publications*

Q and As

• When is my continuation application due?

It will vary by projects. States will be notified individually.

Q and As

• Where can I find the terms and conditions of my award?

Award Face Sheet Provisions Section

http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp

Additional Questions?

Contact Information

Aida BalsanoNational Program Leader

abalsano@nifa.usda.gov

Ph: 202-720-4436

Alexandra (Lexi) Wilson Program Specialist

afwilson@nifa.usda.gov

Ph: 202-401-6950

http://www.nifa.usda.gov