armed to farm

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. 

connecticut veteran grown

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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

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). 

USDA Supports

America’s Heroes

Preparedness and defense are critical to America’s food and agriculture sectors and to sustaining and growing rural America. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to military veterans across the country to fill the roles that keep America’s food supply safe and secure, preserve and strengthen rural communities, and restore and conserve the environment.

Coordinating with the USDA Human Resources Office to help veterans and their spouses find employment at USDA agencies.

Connecting veterans with paid apprenticeships through USDA and the Department of Labor.

connecticut

department of agriculture

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.

Farmers.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture

How to Start a Farm: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

New to farming? Want to learn how to start a farm? USDA offers dedicated help to beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA considers anyone who has operated a farm or ranch for less than ten years to be a beginning farmer or rancher.

USDA can help you get started or grow your operation through a variety of programs and services, from farm loans to crop insurance, and conservation programs to disaster assistance.