By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced the recipients of $300,000 in Veterans in Agriculture Grants aimed at supporting military veterans in agriculture. The announcement was made by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Brig. Gen. Mark A. Goodwill, Director of Joint Staff for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, during Military Appreciation Day at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The funding for these grants has increased by 50% under the Shapiro Administration. The grants include $200,000 awarded to the PA Veteran Farming Network, a statewide organization, and $100,000 to Community Partnership, Inc., serving Butler County. These funds will help military veterans establish or expand their farming operations, making them more profitable and sustainable.
“Two percent of Americans feed us, and two percent of Americans protect us,” said Secretary Redding. “The Shapiro Administration is deeply grateful to those who have bravely served our country. We are proud to support these heroes who are ‘Powering Pennsylvania’ with their continued service through agriculture by connecting them with resources for their farms to grow and thrive.”
“Congratulations to the recipients of the Veterans in Agriculture grants for veteran farmers. We thank you for your service to our country and we applaud your commitment to our communities as farmers,” said Brig. Gen. Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We are grateful to the Department of Agriculture for supporting veterans in agriculture and providing this opportunity for them to grow and develop their farming businesses.”
The Veterans in Agriculture Grant program is designed to assist military veterans entering or expanding farming operations or related businesses. It is part of a broader effort to support agricultural business and workforce development, made possible through the Agricultural Business Development Center, created through the PA Farm Bill.
“Thank you to the Shapiro Administration and our state legislature for recognizing the sacrifices our military veterans have made in service to their fellow citizens.” said PA Veteran Farming Network Executive Director Mimi Thomas-Brooker. “The Veteran Ag program has and will make real and lasting impact on grantees' farms. We are so proud and honored to continue this partnership with the Department of Agriculture for a third year.”
The Shapiro Administration further supports veteran farmers through programs like Homegrown by Heroes, which helps veterans sell locally grown products and connect with consumers who wish to support veteran-owned farms.
To learn more about the PA Farm Bill and available funding, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's website.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business