AgrAbility

In the News

The first AgrAbility Program based in the State of New Mexico.

Through a federally-funded partnership with New Mexico State University, the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, and the University of New Mexico, Mandy’s Farm offers programming designed specifically for people with disabilities who wish to access education and vocational support designed to cultivate a career in farming.

With access to land, water, infrastructure, tools, and technical assistance, participants are able to explore farming with all of its potential risks and successes.

Eligibility | Availability

Who's it for?

People 18 years of age and older with a disability who are interested in a career in farming

Type of Experience

AgrAbility apprentices complete a year-long program designed to prepare them to work on an existing farm or start a micro-business of their own. Apprentices obtain hands-on and classroom-based training in growing vegetables, cultivating fruit, caring for small livestock, and much more. Following the completion of their apprenticeship, disabled farmers have the opportunity to incubate their own farming business within Mandy’s Farm.

Program Availability

The AgrAbility Apprenticeship Program accepts new farming apprentices (members of the community who identify as disabled and who are interested in a career in farming) in cohorts. To be considered for the next cohort of farmers, complete this interest form: AgrAbility Interest Form.

Getting Started

Following apprenticeship graduation, individuals have access to growing space provided by Mandy’s Farm in order to launch their own micro-farming business. Acting as an agricultural incubator, Mandy’s Farm will provide ongoing support and technical assistance as participants explore farming with all of its potential risks and successes.

To request more information about the program, or to register for classes, please complete the staff contact form below.

Saleema is the AgrAbility Apprenticeship Coordinator at Mandy’s Farm. Saleema received her Masters in Conservation Ecology with a focus on agroecology and social justice from University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability in 2018. She has been urban farming for 9 years in the Midwest and Southwest in the form of apprenticeships, running her own business, co-founding a women of color farming collective, and farm and CSA management. Saleema comes to the field of agriculture with a diverse array of experiences in ecological research, education, and social justice all of which informs her land and people ethics. Her passion for growing plants, her love of agroecology, and her drive to feed her community motivates her to continue to develop as a farmer and land steward. She believes that everyone should have equitable access to farm knowledge and the right to build their own relationship to land and food production. Saleema is beyond excited to learn and grow with the Mandy’s Farm and be a part of the AgrAbility team.