The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) announced on Sept. 14 that they will be working together to help military members transition into careers in agriculture.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and Susan Kelly, director of the Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office, confirmed the deal, which focuses on the integration of agriculture into the career training and counseling programs service members receive as they transition out of the military. The deal will reportedly impact 200,000 military service members annually.
"Our transitioning service members leave the military with a variety of essential skills - including leadership and discipline - that could be directly applied to a career in agriculture," said Kelly. "For those members who are considering farming or ranching as a post-service career, I encourage them to learn more about the opportunities, preferences, and incentives offered by the USDA."
There will be career training and counseling programs provided to service members who are interested. Approximately 5 million veterans live in rural areas, more than any other type of region in the country.
"This expanded collaboration between USDA and DOD will help to ensure that returning service members know that there are a wide variety of loans, grants, training and technical assistance for veterans who are passionate about a career in agriculture, no matter their experience level,” said Harden.
Nearly $438 million in farm loans have been given to 6,482 veterans by the USDA for the purchase of farmland and farm equipment since 2009.