It only take one article—“U.S. Rural Soldiers Account for a Disproportionately High Share of Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan,”by William O’Hare and Bill Bishop and print by the University of New Hampshire ’s Carsey Institute — to spur Michael O’Gorman to action . Gorman was overseeing more than 1,500 landed estate oforganictomatoes , peas , basiland other fresh produce for Jacob ’s Farm / Del Cabo when the article came out in November 2006 .
read it , he felt something had to be done to facilitate service members returning to their communities after tour of duty overseas .
In May 2007 , O’Gorman organized a assembly of California growers to hash out creating agriculture jobs for devolve veterans . The idea of render American military member not only with farm caper but also with the quiet and pacification that husbandry offer very much appeal to the growers in attendance . This include Mary Tillman , female parent of Pat Tillman , who leave behind a career in pro football game to swear out his nation and who made the ultimate sacrifice doing so .
WithThe Famer Veteran Coalition , this come into being .
The Farmer Veteran Coalition
Over the years , the Farmer Veteran Coalition has grown from that small group of Central California farmers to become an independent 501c3 organization with over 30,000 member . More than 50 pct have service - connected disabilities .
The Farmer Veteran Coalition works hand in hand with the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) , the Department of Labor , the Small Business Administration , the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to promote and provide agrarian business opportunity for the men and women who serve our country .
Today , the Farmer Veteran Coalition can assist a veteran at any point in his or her agricultural life history . Its mission is to cultivate meaningful vocation through the collaboration of the American land and military biotic community and to help veterans strengthen those hard - hit rural residential area by establishing sustainable solid food systems that provide military extremity with intention , physical activity and psychological benefits .
courtesy Farmer Veteran Coalition
In addition , the Farmer Veteran Coalition works to establish a sentience of community between James Leonard Farmer oldtimer , a support organisation that can chair to both agricultural quislingism and friendship.courtesy Farmer Veteran Coalition
The Details
While membership in the Farmer Veteran Coalition is free and available to both veterans and non - veterans , only veteran members are eligible for the organization ’s programs and service . Veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces at any point in their lifespan — including presently — and must control their religious service by submitting DD-214 , a Certificate of Discharge , a Service Record , or ( for those presently help ) a Letter from Command .
Programs include participation in the organisation ’s Homegrown by Heroes branding of veteran soldier - produced agriculture products and the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund . The latter provides grants to veterans just part their farming careers and has award more than $ 3 million in grants to more than 900 old-timer farmers since 2011 .
In addition , veteran members obtain discounts from such Farmer Veteran Coalition pardner as Kubota , FarmTek , Johnny ’s Select Seeds , Mann Lake Bee and Ag Supply , and Gempler ’s .
Further Benefits
The Farmer Veteran Coalition also :
Associate members consist of businesses , corporations , partnerships , veterans with unverified service , and non - veteran members who wish to show their support for granger veteran soldier . Spouses and nipper of veteran members often become associate fellow member to shew their financial support for their loved one and for all military service members .
Other Farmer Veteran Coalition athletic supporter include the Wounded Warrior Project , the American Farm Bureau Federation , the National Farmers Union , Tractor Supply Co. and the USDA .
