Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields is a multi-award winning short documentary about the training programs and internships being developed by and for returning veterans who have transitioned to farming.
Out of 21 million US veterans, 800,000 are unemployed and 100,000 are unemployed and homeless. US farmers are getting older, and young farmers are not stepping up to take over their work. The new veteran-farmer led apprentice and internships programs seek education and work solutions to both of these challenges.
There are a wide variety of veteran-owned training farms, from greenhouse organic vegetable production to heritage animal production to traditional rural farms growing row crops. Some offer stipends and accept GI Bill benefits, others offer certification or work for experience models. Many offer scholarships and post-training follow-up and support.
Homegrown by Heros is a new product labeling program for farm or food products produced by veteran-run farms and businesses. The labeling program is sponsored by the Farmer Veteran Coalition. They have a number of educational and support resources, including fellowship funding and business education and support. The competitive fellowship funding program can provide small grants to help fund land, infrastructure, and equipment costs for beginning veteran farmers.
The Veteran Farmers of America is a California-based organization that connects veterans with farm and agriculture internship programs.
Beginning Farmers offers a course specifically designed for veterans. They also host an internship, apprentice, and job opportunities page.
If you are a farmer interested in mentoring a veteran, or if you are a veteran interested in learning to farm, look at these resources and Ground Operations social action campaign.
For more information on farm planning, please contact us.
