Financial Assistance

One of the main barriers to implementing assistive technology on the farm can be the cost to pay for it. To be successful in obtaining financial assistance:

1) Set clear goals

2) Explore various funding resources

3) Keep records and documentation

4) Be persistent and act as your own self-advocate

5) Follow-up and ask questions

Learn more about Funding Agricultural Assistive Technology in this handout. AgrAbility PA does not provide funding for assistive technology. The staff is available to help identify solutions, offer support, and assist with finding funding resources for farmers or agricultural workers with a disability or long-term health condition. These services are FREE and available at NO COST. Contact AgrAbility PA to learn more.

Funding Agricultural Assistive Technology (Download PDF)

Financial Resources

Some of the resources below apply to all farmers and some are directed to farmers or agricultural workers who have a disability or long-term health condition and new or beginning farmers. Farmers who have served in the military may be eligible for the resources listed below and additional resources specific to Veterans who are interested in an agricultural career.

Financial resources for farmers and agricultural workers with a disability or long-term health condition:

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
- State agency that offers financial support for individuals with disabilities in employment

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
- Financial education and financing for individuals with disabilities including assistive technology for jobs, hobbies, and quality of life

    • FUNDING YOUR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY:
      This guide has been compiled by PATF in an effort to provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families help in navigating the complex web of funding options for AT devices and services.
    • APPLY FOR A LOAN:
      - No-interest and low-interest loans available for purchase of assistive technology
    • PATF Resources Page
      - Sources of information on a number of disability topics, including assistive technology, financial education, advocacy organizations, and equipment vendors

TechOWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives
- Statewide program that provides access to assistive Technology to all Pennsylvanians with disabilities, including information, devices, services, and funding. Services are provided at no or low cost to individuals with disabilities, their family members, and advocates. Formerly known as PA's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, known in the MS community as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization that provides free services to address the critical needs of people with MS and their families to maintain the best quality of life

Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program
- PA ABLE Savings Program allows individuals with qualified disabilities, and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits

Financial resources available to all farmers in agriculture, including new and beginning farmers:

United State Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management

        • Farm Service Agency
          - Loans to purchase or operate a farm, beginning farmer, emergency, and microloans
        • USDA Rural Development - Pennsylvania
          - Committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America, offering loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- Protect Pennsylvania's air, land, and water from pollution and provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. Partners with individuals, organizations, governments, and businesses to prevent pollution and restore natural resources

  • Grants, Loans, and Rebates
    - Dozens of grants and loans, as well as rebates, to assist individuals, groups and businesses with a host of environmental issues. General questions, contact: 717-705-5400
  • Small Business Advantage Grant
    - Assists with energy efficiency, preventing pollution, or eliminating waste. Grant application deadlines vary. Check website for details.

Farm Credit
- Supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Loans for farm land, operating, equipment and more.

Horizon Farm Credit
- Financial education, business consulting, crop insurance, loans for land, equipment, and farms

National ROPS Rebate Program
- Program provides approximately 70% of the cost of purchasing and installing a rollover protective structure (ROPS) or rollbar

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