AgVets Apprenticeship Program (Veterans Farming Through Adversity)

AgVets Apprenticeship Program

Program Name: Veterans Farming Through Adversity (AgVets)

Program Type: Agricultural apprenticeship and training program

Geographic Scope: National partnership spanning 18 states

Program Overview

A national partnership between Farmer Veteran Coalition and four (4) certified agricultural training and apprenticeship programs. The program helps provide foundational knowledge and experience necessary to become a productive member of the agricultural community.

Partner Organizations

1. Archi's Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (AiSA) - California
   • USDA-certified organic greenhouse operation
   • Grows basil, kale, chard and other produce
   • Utilizes hydro-organic technology
   • Offers structured online and in-person agribusiness training in partnership with University of Minnesota
2. Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA)
   • First registered Apprenticeship for farming in the United States
   • Focuses on dairy and grazing practices
3. Rodale Institute
4. Battleground to Breaking Ground Project
   • 4-phase educational program available to veterans

Program Features

• Covers 18 states with variety of focus areas and commodities
• Each program vetted by FVC staff for comprehensive, hands-on learning
• Addresses multiple aspects of farming and farm management:
  • Farm operations
  • Business development
  • Market analysis
  • Commodity-specific information
• Combination of in-person and online trainings
• Hands-on farm immersion
• Learning from leading experts in agriculture

Support Services

• Case management
• Fellowship Fund grant opportunities
• HomeGrown by Heroes marketing program
• Resume and business plan review
• Connection to resources
• Job placement assistance
• Post-graduation support through local FVC chapters

Eligibility

• U.S. military veterans (all service branches welcome)
• Interested in agricultural careers

How It Works

1. Contact: Interested veterans contact FVC anytime for program information and FVC membership
2. Connect: AgVet Program Manager connects veteran with program of choice and assists with scholarships and applications
3. Learn: Participate in immersive training combining in-person and online learning, farm immersion, and expert instruction
4. Thrive: Post-graduation support including FVC chapter connections, job placement, and business growth through comprehensive case management

Contact Information

• Website: farmvetco.org
• Phone: (855) FVC-FARM (382-3276)
• Address: 1516 Austin Ave #2, Waco, TX 76701
• Mailing Address: PO Box 660675 PMB 94776, Dallas, TX 75266-0675

Additional Information

• Scholarships available to assist with program participation
• FVC provides ongoing support beyond graduation
• Program designed for both new farmers and those enhancing existing farming operations

Application Process

1. Initial Contact
   • Contact FVC at any time for additional program information
   • Phone: (855) FVC-FARM (382-3276)
   • Website: farmvetco.org
2. Membership
   • Become an FVC member
3. Program Connection
   • FVC AgVet Program Manager will connect you with your program of choice
   • Manager assists with:
   • Scholarship applications
   • Program application process
   • Support for your educational journey
4. Program-Specific Requirements
   • Each partner program may have additional requirements
   • Contact specific program for details:
   • Archi's Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (AiSA)
   • Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA)
   • Rodale Institute
   • Battleground to Breaking Ground Project

Support Provided

• Case management
• Fellowship fund access
• Business plan review and resume assistance
• Resource connections
• Job placement help

Post-Graduation Support

• Connection to local FVC chapters
• Job placement assistance
• Business growth support through comprehensive case management