From Combat to Cultivation: The PenFed Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Veterans' Farming Program
Arcadia Farms helps veterans transition to careers in agriculture.
PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union is helping veterans plant a legacy through their partnership with Arcadia Farms Veteran Farming Program.
In the United States, farmers make up just 1% of the population, and a similar 1% of the population comprises veterans. This unique union of demographics highlights a tremendous opportunity for veterans seeking meaningful careers after their military service. Many veterans yearn for a connection akin to the camaraderie they experienced in the military, and they often seek professions where they can see the tangible results of their hard work.
Arcadia Farms has recognized this synergy and has been instrumental in nurturing the underlying potential of veterans who want to put their skills to work in agriculture. Through their Veteran Programs, servicemembers are receiving a multilayered, hands-on educational training that develops new farmers; capitalizes on the growing market in local, sustainably grown foods; and encourages entrepreneurship and job creation.
"The PenFed Foundation's generous donation is helping usher in a new wave of American farmers: veterans -- among those rare Americans tough enough, resilient enough, creative and entrepreneurial enough to be successful in agriculture. The veterans in the Arcadia training program are cultivating not just the earth but meaningful connections with fellow vets and their communities. They answered the nation's call once; this is them, standing up again to tackle the challenging work of feeding their fellow Americans", said Arcadia Executive Director, Pamela Hess.
Arcadia has three distinct Veteran Farming Programs:
Veteran Farmer Reserve Program: 12-month program that meets one weekend a month. Reserve Farmers receive hands-on training at Arcadia's farm in Alexandria, VA; visit working livestock, greenhouse, organic, and other farms on field trips; and receive classroom instruction on topics ranging from pest control to marketing and farm business planning.
Veteran Farm Fellowship Program: A chance for veterans to learn and explore farming through a flexible, paid experience.
Veteran Farm Incubator: Open to graduates of Arcadia's training programs. Arcadia provides access to land, water for irrigation, shared equipment, and additional shared infrastructure to support the incubator farmers as they launch their new farm businesses.
"This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication to veterans' welfare. Together, we are helping veterans transition into a meaningful and impactful career in farming, ultimately contributing to the nation's agricultural sustainability," said PenFed Foundation President, Andrea McCarren.