The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced that $300,000 in grants will be awarded to two organizations that support veteran farmers.
The grants are funded through the PA Farm Bill and are part of the Shapiro administration’s plan to help veterans transition into new industries after leaving the military.
The recipients are the PA Veteran Farming Network and Community Partnership, Inc. The PA Veteran Farming Network is a statewide organization that provides resources and training opportunities to veteran farmers. The other organization, Community Partnership, Inc., serves Butler County and provides grants to veteran farmers in the area.
Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding announced the grant awards during Military Appreciation Day at the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show.
“Two percent of Americans feed us, and two percent of Americans protect us,” Redding said. “The Shapiro Administration is deeply grateful to those who have bravely served our country. We are proud to support these heroes by connecting them with opportunities to grow and succeed in agriculture.”
The Shapiro administration has also increased funding for the Agricultural Business Development Center through the 2023-24 bipartisan budget. The center supports Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses by providing resources for growth and sustainability.
The Homegrown by Heroes program is also part of the PA Farm Bill and supports veteran farmers by helping them connect their products with local consumers.
For more information on the PA Farm Bill and the resources available to veterans farmers, visit the PA Department of Agriculture’s website.