Opportunities for Veterans in Farming
There are approximately 19 million U.S. military veterans in the United States, representing less than 10% of the total adult population. New York State, alone, is home to over 800,000 veterans. An increasing number of programs and resources are available for veterans entering farming. Navigating through federal, state, and local channels can be time-consuming. While not intended to be all-encompassing, the information below will help you get started.
Cornell Small Farms Program Farm Ops
The Cornell Small Farms program runs “Farm Ops” which provides the means for veterans, active duty service members, reservists, and members of the national guard to explore agricultural and horticultural avenues. Through events, veterans scholarships, farming resources, narrative and storytelling, and job training, Farm Ops works to reach veterans across the state.
Farm Ops runs a New York State Veterans in Agriculture listserv to share events and opportunities for veterans in agriculture.
This also subscribes you to the Cornell Small Farms Program’s bi-monthly newsletter which shares statewide events, ag funding opportunities, new resources, and small farm-related job or career opportunities.
Other Opportunities for Veterans
- The Farmer Veteran Coalition’s Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund – provides small grants to assist veterans who are beginner farmers and ranchers.
- The Farm Bureau Resource Guide to Assist Veterans in Agriculture – Together, the Farm Bureau and Farmer Veteran Coalition have created this resource guide to assist veterans in entering the industry.
- Veterans Outreach Center Inc. – founded locally in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans, the center is serving the veterans and military families of Greater Rochester (585) 546-1081 and Buffalo, NY (716) 424-1892. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of supportive services designed to meet the needs of veterans and their families.
- USDA Start Farming – this federal agency provides support to farmers to help them start and continue farming. (202) 720-2791.
- Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Veterans Resources – CCE has resources to assist both veterans and families of veterans.
