Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the tennessee agvets…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the tennessee agvets opportunities on farmland (TN agvols) program is a partnership of TN agricultural service providers that aims to increase the participation of transitioning service members (TSM) and veterans in the agricultural sector and support the start-up and expansion of successful veteran-owned farm businesses. Program activities will focus on connecting military service members with disabilities and aspiring beginning farmers with the technical assistance, education, financial support, and hands-on training needed to succeed at launching new or expanding existing agricultural businesses in TN rural communities. Agvols partner organizations include lead applicant non-profit appalachian resource conservation & development council, university of tennessee extension (UT manage and TN agrability), TN state university's TN new farmer academy, fort campbell U.S. Army garrison, and the farmer veteran coalition of TN. The main objectives are 1) ensure that transitioning military personnel and veterans have streamlined access to information, resources, and services available; 2) increase access to the agricultural, business, and financial training programs offered by project partners to equip veterans with the knowledge and skills to start and grow successful agricultural businesses; 3) connect TSM and veterans with hands-on, on-farm mentorship and internship opportunities with experienced veteran mentor farmers; and 4) foster networking and community building opportunities for veterans involved in agriculture across the state. Agvols will serve at least 1000 TSM and veteran farmers with referrals to programming, scholarships, technical assistance, and internship and networking opportunities over the three-year project period.