USDA Announces $4.8 Million in AgVets Program Awards, Including One to NCAT

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced that the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets) program is investing $4.8 million in seven projects serving military veterans interested in pursuing careers across the food and agricultural sector. The program provides grants to nonprofits to increase the number of military veterans gaining knowledge and skills through comprehensive, hands-on and immersive model farm and ranch programs offered regionally that lead to successful careers in the food and agricultural sector. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is one of the 2024 recipients, for a project titled “Armed to Farm Connections: In-Depth Training and Strengthening Farmer-to-Farmer Support” that will help up to 2,000 veterans gain the knowledge and skills to successfully start and manage commercial farm businesses. The project includes week-long Armed to Farm trainings, farmer-to-farmer educational sessions for Armed to Farm alumni, and technical assistance and networking opportunities for farmer veterans.