Farm Grants for Disabled Veterans

Getting farm grants for disabled veterans is crucial, especially since not everyone who comes back after serving in the military has a job waiting for them. As you know, agricultural farming is an important aspect of a country, including the United States.

This field requires a lot of workforce, who are skillful and diligent. That is why the government is empowering the veterans (disabled and non-disabled) to try farming as their new career path after they have finished their time in the military.

Farm Grants for Disabled Veterans – USDA Support

Veterans have the same challenge, like what things to do after your military services. You need to figure out your career field after your military experience. USDA explains that you can use your military experience and skillset to other career options. Any new and beginning farmers who are veterans and become the part of the community of beginning farmers, can qualify to start and continue their career as a farmer.

USDA can help you and other veterans to start farming, ranching, and running their business in agricultural industry. USDA provides financial, educational, or business and training sources through the programs below:

2501 Program

One program that supports military veterans and socially disadvantaged farmers is the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, which is commonly known as the 2501 program, coming from the mutual effort from the Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The program is coordinated by each State’s USDA agencies, with the aim to empower the people to participate and comply with the USDA programs. Last year, as much as $10 million dollar is allocated to funding the program. The money is distributed by each state, so there may be some differences in terms of policy. Some might offer grants, while some other focuses on providing support programs and pieces of training.

Contact your local USDA office to learn more about the opportunities. Needless to say, military veterans with disability have a better chance of getting the grant. You can also visit outreach.usda.gov/grants to see whether there is currently a government grant application opening. But, currently (Feb, 19 – 2018) the website is down, and I don’t know when it’s back online.

Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production Grants

This program is very popular as UIAP grant. It offers two types of grants for different goals. The first is planning project, a grant to expand efforts and commitments of farmers, citizens, schools, gardeners, and other stakeholders in suburbs and urban places. There are some projects that are for food access, business, education, and other start-up costs to support the new farmers.

The second type of grant is the Implementation Projects. The goal is to improve the current models of urban, indoor, and more agricultural projects that support multiple farmers. The projects will strengthen the local food access and work together with partner organizations and support infrastructure needs.

USDA Programs for Veterans in Rural Business

Veterans from rural America can choose to go back home after service. Or, those who want to move to a rural area, the USDA can help you support your communities.

Rural Business – USDA provides support to the eligible entrepreneurial veterans who want to start and develop their rural communities through growing a new business. To do so, the USDA wants to empower leaders who love their local communities.

USDA’s Rural Development wants to help veterans in rural business with more than 40 loan, grant, and other assistance programs to help you start your business. Also, you can participate in those programs to buy and develop land and facilities, buy equipment and supplies, refinance job expansion, or get energy efficiency financial support. It is better for you to visit local Veterans Business Outreach Center to get help with a business plan you have.

There is also Community Development as a part of USDA. You can select to continue to work as a leader in the local rural community. USDA can support you in the redevelopment of your community by purchasing, building, or improving facilities for your community. This assistance is available through the USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program.

This support includes direct loans, grants, and loan options to help large projects such as health clinics, fire houses, schools, and even health clinics or other facilities to offer an important service for the local community. You can use those funds for purchasing, constructing, and improving these facilities.

Farm Grant for Veteran Producers

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides veteran farmers and ranchers special help with two programs. The first is Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The second one is Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

EQIP is a cost-share program. However, the program is very competitive, only a third of applicants get funding. But since qualified veterans are eligible, you still have a good chance to get funding with a competitive application. Besides, veterans can get 50% of the EQIP and CSP funds. That’s a big deal, since these grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis.

Programs to Increase Veterans Skills as Farmers

A former veteran who is working in organic farming said that farming is similar to battle. You have to protect your crop from various conditions and diseases. Moreover, in farming, you have to be able to identify friends from foes (beneficial or harming insects, etc). Therefore, it is clear that farming needs some skills and knowledge. There are many places and programs you can refer to increase your skills as a farmer. For example:

Archi’s Acres  (http://archisacres.com/)

Located near the San Diego area, the farm provides hydroponics and sustainable farming techniques for veterans. If you are not familiar with sustainable farming techniques, you should give it a try. In our reference section, you can see their overwhelming presentation in NY.

Veterans Farm

located in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s a great place to learn farming blueberries and blackberries while getting good therapy, education, and socialization training at the same time to avoid depression.

Heroic Food (http://heroicfood.org/)

Located in Columbia County, NY, the place offers a tuition-free program that can improve your skill in farming. There are paid training programs on farms, along with several other opportunities.

Vets to Ag Program

It’s a program from Michigan State University available for veterans. During the six weeks training course, you will learn technical knowledge about farming from the experts, including plant and soil science, pest management, and other supporting skills.

Veteran Organic Farming Program

Similar to the Vets to Ag program, this one provides training and education about organic farming for veterans.

Getting farm grants for disabled veterans is possible, so don’t give up!

Reference :

• Military Veteran Farmer Training (http://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/military-veteran-farmer-training/)
• Image : baltimoresun.com
• (https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants)
• (https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans/veterans-and-entrepreneurship)
• (https://www.farmraise.com/blog/3-funding-tips-for-veteran-farmers)