Veteran farmers play a crucial role in sustaining our nation's agriculture while transitioning from military service to civilian life can require tailored resources and support. Whether you're a veteran farmer or know someone who is, the following resources offer valuable assistance, training, and opportunities to thrive in the farming industry.

The Farmer Veteran Coalition is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans transition into farming. FVC provides veterans with access to resources such as education, training, and financial support. They also offer the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, which grants money to veterans looking to purchase farm equipment or expand their operations.

Armed to Farm is a sustainable agriculture training program specifically designed for military veterans. This program, provided by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), combines classroom sessions with hands-on experience on farms. Armed to Farm helps veterans gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the agricultural industry.

The USDA offers a variety of resources and programs aimed at helping veterans pursue careers in agriculture. Their Veterans in Agriculture initiative provides information on available grants, loans, and other forms of support. They also offer technical assistance and training programs tailored for veteran farmers.

The mission of Veterans to Farmers is to train veterans in agricultural systems, technologies, and business operations for a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle. Veterans to Farmers helps assist veterans to assimilate effectively, productively, and permanently into private citizenry through agricultural training and education. Veteran classmates work alongside each other, learning new skills and experiencing the grounding effects of the farm.

Homegrown By Heroes is a certification program that allows veteran farmers to label their products with a special logo, helping them stand out in the marketplace. This program, managed by the Farmer Veteran Coalition, supports veterans by providing a marketing advantage for their farm products, allowing consumers to identify and support veteran-owned businesses.

The National AgrAbility Project assists farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, including veterans. AgrAbility provides technical assistance, education, and resources to help veteran farmers overcome physical challenges and continue working in agriculture.

The Center for Rural Affairs emphasizes the significant role that veterans from rural communities can play in revitalizing small farms and rural areas upon their return home. With nearly a million servicemen and servicewomen coming from these regions in the last decade, veterans have the opportunity to bring their passion, discipline, and sense of service back to their farming roots. The Center provides essential business and agriculture education to help veterans build successful farm businesses.

F.A.R.M. aims to reestablish the meaning in the lives of veterans through agricultural therapeutic rehabilitation and training. The program allows veterans reintegrating into society to once again become teachers, providers, nurturers and leaders while empowering them to lead the change in America's distressed food system.

Farm Ops provides the means for veterans, active duty service members, reservists, and members of the National Guard to explore agricultural and horticulture avenues. These individuals may be seeking prospects to be their own boss, paths to connect with the soil or with nature, ventures to continue to serve the community in which they work and live, or just opportunities to connect with other veterans. Whatever their interests, Farm Ops aims to serve and support the men and women of NYS, who dedicated their lives in service and support of our nation.

The Veteran Women for the Land project fosters a community of practice among military veteran women farmers in the Pacific Northwest through a series of listening sessions, Learning Circles, and convenings. The project offers both in-person and virtual learning opportunities tailored to the participants’ interests, providing veteran women with the necessary skills, training, and experience they need to be successful in agriculture.

The transition from military service to farming is filled with both opportunities and challenges. Fortunately, a wealth of resources is available to help veteran farmers succeed. By leveraging these resources, veterans can build thriving agricultural businesses that benefit themselves, their families, and their communities.

If you're a veteran looking to enter the world of farming, or if you know a veteran farmer who could benefit from these resources, explore these websites, the FarmRaise Funding Library, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in agriculture.