3 Northwest Farm Credit Services
veteran coalition
When the Farmer Veteran Coalition was founded a decade ago,
no one was introducing veterans to agriculture, or helping them
ease back into their lives in rural communities across the U.S.
So, a small group of farmers saw the need and today the FVC
has grown into a formidable force for good.
They've partnered with national ag organizations, including
Farm Credit, that have committed deeply to supporting
their efforts. They've influenced programs at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Small Business Administration
and the Departments of Labor, Defense and Veterans
Affairs. Today, the FVC offers military veterans multiple
programs and resources, including a small-grant program
for farming purchases, internships, training programs,
mentorship opportunities, business and farming resources,
conferences and workshops.
Northwest FCS has supported the FVC's successful effort to
start a Washington state chapter and will support similar efforts
in other Northwest states. We've also committed to providing
meeting space for farmer veteran workshops, promotions for
farmer veteran events, and instruction and guidance on financial
literacy and business planning for farmer veterans.
Together, Farm Credit and the Farmer Veteran Coalition produce
and promote the Homegrown By Heroes label, the official
farmer veteran branding program of America. Available only to
members of the Coalition, the Homegrown By Heroes label is a
marketing tool that differentiates products produced by veterans
in competitive markets, provides consumers a tangible way to
support veterans, gives veterans the point-of-sale visibility
needed for success and provides an opportunity for veterans to
share their stories and connect with their consumers.
In July, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, side by side with Farm
Credit, unveiled a revamped Homegrown By Heroes label that
includes a female service member. Introduced just five years
ago, the label is now used by 1,350 FVC members from all 50
states and Puerto Rico.
For more information about the Farmer Veteran Coalition,
visit www.farmvetco.org.
Northwest Farm Credit Services proudly partners with the Farmer Veteran
Coalition, a nonprofit organization that helps U.S. military veterans start and
grow their careers in agriculture.
Farmer Veteran Coalition
Homegrown by Heroes
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