CONNECTING VETERANS TO AGRI-FOOD SYSTEM OPPORTUNITIES

"Connecting Veterans with Agri-Food System Opportunities" seeks to increase the number of military veterans pursuing careers in agriculture through comprehensive, hands-on and immersive learning. In this project, the lead veterans organization, Veterans In Agriculture, will track record collaborates with university extension expertise, SBA nonprofit partner, and early-stage venture cooperative to expand capacity.Goal: Educate veterans on best practices for farm and agri-food system enterprise management, niche marketing, and business planning and to increase agricultural production and agri-food business enterprise ownership by veterans.Objective 1: Promote and build awareness of curricula and apprenticeship.Objective 2: Offer curricula and apprenticeships for veterans including practical research on farming practices, local food production techniques, financial management, niche marketing strategies, succession planning, agribusiness and food industry management and innovations.Objective 3: Provide technical assistance for veterans in relation to their business plan goals in production agriculture and agri-food business enterprise opportunities.Objective 4: Provide veterans with incidental support services during individual implementation of goals and business plans.