At ease orchard veteran farm network program

At Ease Orchard, a veteran-owned nonprofit based in Wilkinson, Indiana, received a $686,020 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Advocacy and Outreach under the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (CFDA 10.443), awarded September 30, 2025. The three-year grant, concluding September 29, 2028, funds the At Ease Orchard Veteran Farm Network Program to deliver technical assistance, education, training, and outreach services to veteran farmers, ranchers, and socially disadvantaged agricultural producers throughout Indiana.

The program provides comprehensive support services designed to enhance veteran and disadvantaged farmers' capacity to own and operate viable agricultural enterprises, access USDA programs, and participate equitably in agricultural opportunities. Services include on-farm training, peer-to-peer mentorship, business planning and entrepreneurship training, technical assistance on regenerative agriculture and conservation practices, and outreach to connect underserved farmers with available USDA resources. These services align with the broader CFDA 10.443 program objective to ensure that socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers can equitably participate in federal agricultural support programs and successfully launch and sustain agricultural operations.