The project will primarily be delivered within the USDA strike force initiative counties in eastern NC

The Whitaker Small Farm Group, Inc. (WSFG) received a $740,940 Project Grant award from the US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program (CFDA 10.334) for the period of September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2024.

The grant funds will support WSFG's delivery of hands-on agricultural training and technical assistance to increase veteran participation in USDA programs. Specifically, WSFG will conduct a six-month apprenticeship program on two model farms, training 72 veterans in sustainable agriculture production and farm management practices. WSFG will also provide a business and entrepreneurial academy focused on improving business management skills, value-added production techniques such as beekeeping certification, and facilitating USDA program application assistance. The program aims to increase veteran farmers' knowledge, skills and participation in USDA support through these comprehensive, immersive training opportunities.

The american legion post 521 is a major collaborator assisting with recruitment. This project will have a delivery plan that is specifically tailored to address the barriers faced by new beginning veteran farmers. This includes using experiential training through apprenticeship and mentoring on a model farm, classroom-based workshops, and hands-on activities to build knowledge and skills required to make well informed business decisions and to operate sustainable and profitable farms.wsfg will conduct a 6-month "learning by doing" apprenticeship training program on two model farms for 72 veterans. The training model is designed to have veterans shadow the host farmer to understand real farming experience by participating in many aspects of sustainable agriculture production and farm management practices. We will provide progressive training through a business and entrepreneurial academy. A multifaceted training session designed to equip participants to improve on their business management skills, learn to add value to raw produce and explore BEE keeping as an additional source of income. The training is geared towards beekeeping certification. We will increase awareness and participation in USDA programs by providing aggressive outreach, facilitate one-on-one assistance with appropriate agency specialist and, assist in applying for program assistance. We estimate to provide technical assistance to 360 veterans through our connect veterans to AG. Resource summits.