Armed to farm: growing successful veteran farmers through USDA resources and intensive training

The National Center for Appropriate Technology Inc. (NCAT) received a $741,752 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, with a completion date of September 29, 2028. The "Armed to Farm" initiative provides comprehensive training and technical assistance to military veteran farmers and ranchers, including farm business management instruction, financial literacy education, conservation planning services, and facilitation of access to USDA programs. NCAT delivers these services through multiple modalities including workshops, training events, and one-on-one technical assistance, with the organization having trained over 3,500 military veteran farmers through this program across its nationwide network.

The award supports NCAT's mission to build viable agricultural enterprises among an underserved farmer population by addressing the unique barriers veteran farmers face in starting and sustaining farming operations. The three-year funding cycle aligns with typical CFDA 10.443 grant structures, which average $700,000 to $750,000 per award and emphasize experiential education, mentorship, and peer-to-peer outreach models. As a Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture technical assistance, NCAT is well-positioned as a prime grant recipient to implement this veteran-focused outreach effort across its service area.