The world cannot survive without farmers and the food they produce, just as America would not be the world’s lone superpower without the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our military veterans. A new agricultural grant program provides support to the men and women who give their all to both.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE | On Sept. 8, 2022, The Department of Agriculture awarded $200,000 to two separate veteran organizations. The funds are to be used to provide farmer-veteran grants of up to $10,000 for various agricultural business upkeep and expansion, including food safety and biosecurity planning, equipment, marketing, or working capital. There are currently more than 7,000 military farmer-veterans in Pennsylvania, contributing to the commonwealth’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
“Pennsylvania’s veterans spent their military career protecting and serving others. When returning to civilian life, they bring critical skillsets and a commitment to service with them,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “We have worked hard to ensure that everyone who wants to be a part of agriculture has the opportunity to contribute without barriers. These grants are a down payment on the success of farmer-veterans in the industry, for the success of Pennsylvania.”
Farmer-veteran grants will be available through Greenforge, Inc. and Community Partnership.
Greenforge, Inc (Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Project), Greensburg (Westmoreland County)
$100,000 to provide grants up to $10,000 to eligible veteran farmer applicants for working capital for farm equipment and supplies, cost sharing, tangible marketing supplies, or other demonstrated needs in alignment with the PA Agriculture Veteran Grant Program Request for Proposals as part of the Force Multiplier Grant program.
Contact Mimi Thomas-Brooker, Project Director at 724-691-1087 or pavetsfarm@gmail.com for more information.
Community Partnership, Butler (Butler County)
$100,000 to provide grants up to $10,000 to eligible veteran farmer applicants as part of their beginning farmer program to cover costs associated with working capital, equipment, supplies, and other applicable farming needs in addition to receiving on-farm education and business training support.
Contact Sandra Curry, Executive Director at 724-431-3623 or scurry@yourcapinfo.org, for more information.
This program is available through the Agriculture Business Development Center which was created by the PA Farm Bill.
