Veteran Farmer Program
A multilayered, hands-on educational program that develops new farmers and encourages entrepreneurship and job creation.
The Challenge
The average American farmer is 58 – even older in Virginia – and is nearing retirement. The USDA estimates the nation needs 700,000 new farmers to replace them over the next decade.
Hundreds of thousands of American veterans, including those who volunteered for the military after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, are separating from the service every year and seeking meaningful careers in the civilian sector.
The Opportunity
Americans are increasingly purchasing local and organic food – the market share grew more than 10-fold in the last decade, despite a major recession.
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Veterans are 45 percent more likely to start their own businesses than other Americans. And they have the physical and mental toughness to forge successful careers in agriculture. Years of service have honed their ability to lead; to work independently or as part of a team; to plan, adapt, and overcome crises; and to accomplish whatever mission is before them.
The Solution
Pay veterans to learn how to farm. Help them find affordable land. Provide easy market access for the food they produce to satisfy the robust and growing public demand. And reinvigorate the farm sector with skilled new growers, eager to begin their next phase of life.
Program Staff
Pamela Hess
Executive Director
Matt Mulder
Director of Operations
Stephen Corrigan
Farmer Trainer
Sam Stern
Farm Manager
Program Support
Thanks to our generous sponsors who make the Veteran Farmer Program possible:
USDA
AMSG
Grace Communications Foundation
Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Northrop Grumman
Northern Virginia Community Foundation
Prince Charitable Trusts
PenFed Foundation
Jen Walker Realty
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Arcadia continues to raise funds from private donors, philanthropic organizations, corporate sponsorships, and governmental grants to finance the Veteran Farmer Program. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Pamela Hess, Executive Director, at Pam@Arcadiafood.org.