Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities

The Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities, commonly known as AgrAbility, is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This federal program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 5933 and is designed to support farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers with disabilities, including veterans, by increasing their ability to remain productive and successful in agricultural operations. The program reflects USDA priorities focused on strengthening agricultural productivity, supporting rural communities, and advancing innovation in farming practices. The primary purpose of the AgrAbility program is to fund cooperative projects that deliver education, direct assistance, networking, and marketing services to individuals with disabilities engaged in agricultural work. These services are intended to improve quality of life, enhance safety, and support economic viability for participants. The program supports two main project types: State and Regional AgrAbility Projects and a single National AgrAbility Project. State and Regional projects provide localized, on-the-ground services, while the National project delivers technical assistance, training, coordination, and evaluation support across the network. Funding for Fiscal Year 2026 totals approximately 12,056,672 dollars, with the majority allocated to new State and Regional projects and one National project. State projects may receive up to 180,000 dollars per year, regional projects up to 200,000 dollars per year, and the National project up to 530,000 dollars per year. All projects are expected to operate over a four-year period, contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance. Funds are restricted to program-related activities and may not be used for indirect costs, which are explicitly disallowed under this program. Eligibility requirements differ by project type. State and Regional applications must be submitted by Cooperative Extension Services at 1862 or 1890 Land-grant institutions and must include formal partnerships with private nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to individuals with disabilities. National project applicants must be national private nonprofit disability organizations. All applicants must demonstrate collaboration, capacity, and commitment to serving agricultural populations with disabilities. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 23, 2026. Applicants are required to complete a comprehensive application package that includes forms such as the SF-424, project summaries, detailed project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation including commitment letters from partners. Project narratives must follow strict formatting and content requirements and include sections such as justification, work plan, management structure, evaluation strategy, and data management plans. Applications are evaluated through a two-step process that includes an administrative review followed by a scientific peer review. Evaluation criteria focus on project significance, proposed approach, institutional capacity, management plan, budget justification, sustainability, and data management. Awards are expected to begin around September 2026, with continuation funding dependent on annual performance and appropriations. Applicants may direct programmatic inquiries to SM.AgrAbility@usda.gov and administrative questions to grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov.

Align project with USDA priorities emphasize measurable outcomes demonstrate strong partnerships include detailed evaluation plans ensure compliance with formatting and submission rules