In honor of Memorial Day, we’d like to give a shout out to our longtime friends and allies at the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). The Farmer Veteran Coalition assists veterans and current members of the armed forces to embark on careers in agriculture. With a nationwide network of more than 30,000 veterans, FVC offers support services including education, employment, and mentorship opportunities.  

One of the FVC’s core programs is the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, which provides financial assistance to veterans for their own farm businesses.  Grants cover expenses such as equipment, marketing, and training. Recipients include cattle ranchers, fruit and vegetable producers, dairy farmers and even beekeepers!  

The FVC provides educational resources and training to help veterans succeed, such as online courses, in-person workshops, and hands-on apprenticeships; everything from business planning and marketing to soil management and animal husbandry is offered. In addition, the FVC connects veterans with experienced farmers who serve as mentors, providing guidance to support navigating the challenges of starting and running a farm.   

Fun Facts: The original name of this non-profit was ‘Farms not Arms” and was started in 2007 by two organic farmers, both veterans themselves, Jim Cochran of Swanton Berry Farm, and Michael O’Gorman formally with Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo.  

Jim and Michael believe the healing power of the Earth abides. We salute those who chose to serve their country twice – once by defending it and once by feeding it. 

Learn more about farmer veteran members’ stories here.