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Veterans to Farmers: Turning Protectors Into Providers
The mission of this veteran-owned organization is to train veterans in various agricultural systems, technologies, and business operations to empower them to have a sustainable lifestyle. Their veteran training programs aide in reestablishing and educating veterans on agriculture. The classes offered help veterans learn about soil farming and hydroponics. To learn more about what Veterans to Farmers does, or to sign up for their 2020 classes visit: www.veteranstofarmers.org/ Warriors That Farm: Empowering Warriors to Farm
Warriors that Farm is a teaching organization to help educate veterans on the benefits of sustainable, poison-free agriculture. They teach and promote the benefits of an organic agrarian lifestyle through mentorship, on-farm immersion learning, health restoration, and after-program placement. They also accept donations for needs of program participants. Donations are collected for septic, seeds, and other start-up costs associated with organic farming. To learn more about their mission visit: warriorsthatfarm.com/ NRCS: Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
The Natural Resources Conservation Services falls under the USDA. NRCS offers preference to veterans under the 2018 Farm Bill. Veterans may also be eligible for higher rates within the program as well under the 2018 Farm Bill. This program also includes members of the Coast Guard as well! Some programs exempt Coast Guard as they do not fall under the DoD. Programs through the NRCS are voluntary, opt-in programs that benefit both agricultural producers and the environment through sustainable and responsible ag. NRCS offers support through financial and technical assistance, grants, and easements. To learn more about NRCS Veteran Farmers and Ranchers programs visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/farmbill/?cid=stelprdb1256753 Walk Your Talk TV: Ground Operations Veteran to Farmer Documentary
While not an immediate resource, this one is just really cool! Ground Operations is a documentary and social action campaign that is following combat veterans as they transition into careers in sustainable farming, ranching, and artisan food growers. This is a great documentary to check out! You can also state your interest in participating in their on-going effort. Visit them at: walkyourtalk.tv/about-the-film/ USDA New Farmers: Veterans Option
The USDA New Farmers program is open to all start-up farmers and ranchers, however, veterans enjoy some additional perks and exemptions. The New Farmers program is broken into three resource areas; employment, education, and entrepreneurship. This is a great resource to find not only information on how to become your own operation, but to find careers in agriculture as well. Many of the listed ag careers are government positions with the USDA. The USDA states that they want to ensure that any veteran looking to return to the farm, or start their own operation has the tools and information to do so successfully. Learn more about the USDA's programs at: www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans Arcadia: Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture Veteran Farmer Program
Arcadia offers a unique Veteran Farmer Program. They believe that the solution to assisting veterans be successful in farming is by paying veterans to learn to farm, assisting them in finding affordable land, providing easier market access for the food they produce, and reinvigorating the farm sector. They provide a multi-layered, hands-on learning experience with their program. The program has three components: Veteran Farmer Reserve Program, Veteran Farmer Fellowship Program, and Veteran Farmer Land Access. Learn more about Arcadia's program at: arcadiafood.org/programs/veteran-farmer-program Homegrown by Heroes: The Official Farmer Veteran Branding Program of America
Homegrown by Heroes (HBH) official branding label serves to show consumers that the products donning that seal were raised by military veterans in agriculture. Any operation sporting the logo is an official HBH certified operation. Veterans of any branch, who served in any era (including those currently serving), or those who received an honorable discharge are eligible. Agribusinesses and farm/ranch operations who consistently maintain at least 50% veteran ownership AND a minimum 50% veteran management control may also apply. Applicants must be a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition to qualify. To learn more about becoming a HBH certified operation visit: farmvetco.org/hbh/ Available through the Farmer Veteran Coalition are grants through the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. This small grant program provides direct assistance to veterans who are in the beginning phases of ranching or farming. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. FVC has granted over $1.9 million dollars since 2011.
Veterans from any branch, of any era (including those currently serving) may apply for a grant. Veterans must have received an honorable discharge to qualify. If selected, there are a few other general requirements. To learn more about the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund or to apply, visit them at: farmvetco.org/fvfellowship/. Applications are OPEN February 3rd-March 6th, 2020. Farmer Veteran Coailtion: Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America
FVC is currently the largest non-profit in the US dedicated to helping veterans and those currently serving in the military begin careers in agriculture. They have chapters in ten states, however, veterans from any where in the US are able to become members. Membership in the FVC is required to access the resources available through them including membership discounts from Kubota, FarmTek, Oregon Tilth and more. FVC also offers information on resources, internships, and mentorship programs. They offer advice on business plans and help with creation and implementation. They began in 2007 and have paved the way for military veterans in agriculture since! Learn more about what FVC has to offer at: farmvetco.org/about-us/ |
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