HARRISBURG, PA — Veterans who have traded military uniforms for farm tools are getting a game-changing investment in their future. On Thursday, Military Appreciation Day at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $300,000 in Veterans in Agriculture Grants—a landmark effort to support veteran-led farming operations across Pennsylvania. This significant funding increase comes under the leadership of the Shapiro Administration, which has amplified grant funding by 50% compared to previous years.
“Two percent of Americans feed us, and two percent of Americans protect us,” stated 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.”
Who Benefits, and How?
Two organizations playing central roles in this statewide effort will receive the grants:
- PA Veteran Farming Network was awarded $200,000 to nurture and expand veteran farming initiatives. This statewide organization will use the funding to provide direct support, training, and mentoring for veterans seeking to step into or scale up their farming enterprises.
- Community Partnership, Inc., based in Butler County, received $100,000 to improve farming opportunities for veterans in the region. With this grant, they aim to make veteran farms more profitable and sustainable through tailored support and programs.
Collectively, these two groups will create “mini-grant” programs designed to provide veterans with the tangible resources they need to break into or thrive in agriculture. From buying equipment to adopting innovative technologies, this initiative ensures that farmers who’ve served our nation in uniform have the tools they need to succeed in the field—literally and metaphorically.
Why This Matters
This funding isn’t just about dollars; it’s about transforming lives and creating lasting impact. Agriculture is no ordinary profession—it’s the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and its practitioners play a vital role in sustaining our communities. But starting or maintaining a farm is not without challenges. For veterans transitioning back into civilian life, farming offers more than a paycheck—it offers purpose, stability, and a tangible connection to the land they fought to defend.
Veterans possess unique skills—resilience, problem-solving, and discipline—that translate seamlessly into the demands of agriculture. Yet, they often face barriers such as lack of access to resources, funding, and adequate training. This grant program bridges that gap, turning obstacles into opportunity.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the Veterans in Agriculture grants for veteran farmers. We thank you for your service to our country and applaud your commitment to our communities as farmers,” remarked Brig. Gen. Mark A. Goodwill, director of joint staff for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
More Than Farming—Fostering a Legacy
Veteran-led farms hold promise far greater than individual success. They contribute to local food systems, fortify the agricultural workforce, and ensure Pennsylvania’s farming legacy remains robust. By supporting veterans in agriculture, the Shapiro Administration is doubling down on its commitment to both those who serve and the state’s economic sustainability.
Mimi Thomas-Brooker, Executive Director of PA Veteran Farming Network, reinforced the impact of this funding. “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.”
Another critical element of this initiative is the Agricultural Business Development Center. Established through the PA Farm Bill, the center ensures that Pennsylvania farms and agricultural businesses have the tools, training, and resources to grow profits and sustain operations. This program represents more than financial assistance; it delivers knowledge and structures to ensure sustained success.
What’s Next?
The ripple effects of this funding will extend far beyond the farms receiving direct aid. By empowering farmer-veterans, Pennsylvania strengthens its agricultural foundation, promotes local economies, and sustains rural communities. This is more than an investment in farming—it’s an investment in people who’ve already proven their dedication to serving their country.
For the Shapiro Administration, this initiative reflects a leadership style rooted in action and tangible results. It shows that the state’s gratitude for its veterans isn’t confined to words but is expressed in meaningful support that changes lives.
A Growing Movement
By fostering a culture that values veterans as farmers, Pennsylvania stands as a model for the rest of the nation. The $300,000 Veterans in Agriculture Grants serve as a reminder that when we invest in those who’ve protected us, we reap rewards that benefit generations. Through this program, Pennsylvania is not just rebuilding; it’s growing—one veteran, one farm, one future at a time.
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