A pilot program in Michigan is helping connect veterans to agriculture.
Adam Ingrao, executive director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan, says Michigan, Maine, Vermont and Kansas have established state chapters of the Farmer Veteran Coalition.
“It’s difficult for a national organization to come to every expo in the state you’re interested in going into, but if you have individuals, veterans, that are willing to do that and recruit for you in the state—that’s a pretty powerful tool.”
Ingrao was discharged as a disabled vet and unable to walk for a year. He says he found healing in agriculture and wants to help other veterans do the same.
“I’d always thought of agriculture as a career avenue and an industry that really had a lot of opportunity in it, but I’d never really seen the healing capacity of agriculture.”
He says the coalition is focused on the success of veterans.
“If you are interested in a career in agriculture or already farming, we have programs that we can offer to you and that can help you become more successful, more sustainable on your farm.”
Ingrao says membership is free to all veterans.
Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com