By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania is investing in its veteran farmers. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently toured Riverton Farms in Doylesburg, Franklin County, a veteran-owned beef and sheep farm that received a $10,000 grant to fund a well and pump for livestock watering.
Riverton Farms was one of 18 veteran-owned farms to receive sub-grants through the PA Veteran Farming Network, which was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in 2023.
To further support veteran farmers, the Department of Agriculture is inviting veterans' services organizations to apply for up to $200,000 in grants.
These organizations can then award sub-grants of up to $10,000 to veterans starting or expanding their farming businesses.
“Veterans return from serving our country with valuable, hard-won skills they can put to work on the farm.” Secretary Redding said. “Just like any other business, they need to finance planning, safety, permits, equipment, and other critical needs. These grants are one of the tangible ways the Shapiro Administration is thanking our veterans for their service and creating opportunities for them to succeed on the home front.”
The grants can be used for various agricultural business needs, including feasibility studies, food safety, biosecurity, conservation planning, equipment purchases, permits, marketing, and working capital.
"It is an honor for the PA Veteran Farming Network to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on this grant program,” said PA Veteran Farming Network Executive Director Mimi Thomas-Booker. “The funding is making significant and immediate impacts for the veterans who receive the grants. Pennsylvanians are saying 'thank you for your service' in a way that benefits veterans like Megan and Ollie King, and the neighbors and community members they're proving with local nutritious food and farm products."
The Shapiro Administration recognizes the importance of supporting the agricultural workforce, which is facing a significant shortage.
The Pennsylvania Veterans in Agriculture program is one of several initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining farmers. Other initiatives include the PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes program, which helps veteran farmers market their products.
Organizations interested in applying for the Pennsylvania Farmer Veteran grants can submit applications online through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Electronic Single Application by December 22, 2024.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers a variety of grant programs to support agriculture, including the $10 million Agricultural Innovation Program and the $4 million Fresh Food Financing program.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy