Armed to Farm has supported more than 1,000 veterans with hands-on and classroom learning opportunities for sustainable agriculture since launching in 2013. Farmer veterans learn how to run a successful business and market their products, how to access USDA resources, set business goals, and develop meaningful mentorships with seasoned farmers. 

Farmer veterans who complete a training series stay connected to their peers and often develop ties to other farmers, increasing their ability to succeed. These farmer veterans have access to individualized technical assistance and one-on-one consultations, in-person networking events and virtual learning opportunities through the National Center for Appropriate Technology. 

The Connecticut Veteran Grown program has been brought to life thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Awarded through Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development (CT RC&D), the grant is bringing much-needed resources to the state’s Farmer Veterans. The project is working to promote Farmer Veterans to consumers around the state and creating a resource hub to support them going forward. The overall objective is to support Veterans as they build a career in agriculture and assimilate back to civilian life, which can be a challenge. Veterans deserve all the resources available to be successful in agriculture.

Locate Veteran Farms in Connecticut:

You will be able to search the Connecticut Veteran Grown database of farms.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports military veteran farmers and ranchers through various programs, providing financial, educational, and training resources to help them transition into agricultural careers and succeed in the field. Key initiatives include the Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL), which connects veterans to resources, grants from programs like Enhanced Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets), and access to financial assistance and technical support from agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

The Farm Bill also extends support to veteran farmers by prioritizing their needs within various agricultural programs. 

How the USDA Supports Veteran Farmers

Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL): The MVAL acts as a central point of contact to help veterans and their families access training, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture. 

AgVets Program: Through the AgVets program, the USDA provides grants to non-profit organizations that run immersive, hands-on training programs for veterans interested in starting careers in farming, ranching, and agribusiness. 

Farm Bill Provisions: The 2018 Farm Bill includes provisions specifically for veteran farmers, ensuring they have access to programs addressing their unique circumstances and concerns. 

Financial and Technical Assistance: Veterans can receive preference for certain USDA programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which provide cost-sharing for conservation practices. They may also receive upfront funding for these programs, which is typically reimbursement-based. 

Risk Management Programs: The USDA offers incentives for veteran beginning farmers within its risk management programs, potentially including reduced premiums and increased coverage. 

Employment and Entrepreneurship: The USDA also focuses on helping veterans transition to civilian careers in agriculture through employment opportunities and support for agricultural business development. 

Where to Find More Information

Farmers.gov: This site provides information on veteran farmer resources and the definition of a veteran farmer. 

USDA.gov: The USDA's website features resources for veterans and highlights programs for employment, education, and entrepreneurship in agriculture. 

Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations like the Farmer Veteran Coalition and programs like Armed to Farm work with the USDA to provide specialized training and resources for veterans interested in farming. 

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The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is the state agency responsible for fostering the health of Connecticut's agricultural, environmental, and social climate. It develops, promotes, and regulates agricultural businesses while protecting the state's natural and aquaculture resources.