To provide farming education, training, connections to USDA programs and support internships and mentoring to military veterans

This federal Project Grant award of $749,776.00 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 (CFDA 10.443) program aims to provide farming education, training, connections to USDA programs, and support internships and mentoring to military veterans in Louisiana.

The grantee, Recirculating Farms Coalition Inc., is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting eco-friendly farming methods using recycled water systems to grow local, affordable fresh food and create green jobs. Through this grant, the coalition will collaborate with communities, including partnering with the Southeast Louisiana VA, to offer on-site classes, farming experiences, and programs to connect veterans with USDA resources, internships, and mentors. Grant activities will include expansion of VA growing programs, outreach meetings, classroom and hands-on training sessions, business development support, access to land/equipment, and COVID-19 relief assistance for local food producers.