Project Overview
Based in
Fairfax County, Virginia, but pulling from expertise and farms across Northern
and Central Virginia and the National Capital Region, Arcadia's Veteran Farmer
Program (VFP) brings together regional nonprofits, agricultural organizations,
veterans, and experienced farmers - including veterans who have made a
successful transition to farming - to provide a practical farmer training and
development program that launches veterans into new careers in agriculture.
Arcadia's
program is distinguished by its lifecycle support of new veteran farmers. It
works to increase the number of veterans beginning new careers in agriculture
and the likelihood of their success by providing them with farming skills;
business development and management training; ongoing technical support;
assistance with finding and accessing land; and then market support. The VFP provides continued
support as our new farmers launch their careers, through ongoing mentorships
from, and networking with, the business, agriculture, and veteran communities.
The
VFP increases the number of veterans beginning new careers in agriculture and
increases the likelihood of their success. The VFP is very effective and can be
replicated in other regions. Through this grant, the VFP aimed to train 51 military
veterans with the goal of producing 25 new farmers operating businesses
throughout the project period. From 2017-2020, the program actively trained
and supported 84 military veterans, active duty military, and their spouses. Of those 84 trainees, 42 have already started to farm and another 26 continue train and develop as beginning farmers.
Number of Participants: 101
Promotional Materials
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
Educational Materials
There are no educational materials available for this project.
Reports & Evaluations
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.
Describe any unexpected results of the project:
How would you improve the project if you were to do it again?
What were the keys to success for your participants?
Individual Stories / Examples of Success