The
mission of
the Farmer
Veteran
Coalition is to
mobilize
veterans to feed
America.
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We believe that veterans
possess the unique skills
and character needed to
strengthen rural
communities and create
sustainable food systems
for all.
We believe that food
production offers
purpose, opportunity, and
physical and
psychological benefits.
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We guide the passion of our veterans so
that they may earn for themselves a
meaningful, financially sustainable place in
the agricultural community.
We believe in the meritocracy of
American Agriculture, where personal
responsibility for one's actions and
individual initiative in pursuit of one's goals
can create personal success. We believe in
the fundamental dignity of physical work.
We acknowledge the plurality of
agricultural crops, practices, scale and
markets available to our veterans. We
honor, guide, and support the practical
farming path chosen by each veteran.
We are committed to leveraging our work
through a network of partnerships.
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We support all valid national, regional, or
crop-specific efforts to connect veterans
with agriculture and encourage
collaboration instead of competition with
other groups providing services to our
nation’s veterans.
We recognize the range of opportunities
for employment throughout the agricultural
economy. We sponsor and encourage both
employment and self-employment in
agriculture, and equally value the
contributions made by all members of the
agricultural industry who feed America.
We support and treat the whole veteran.
We are aware of the high number of
veterans that return with both visible and
invisible wounds.
We recognize the geographic and
psychological isolation common to both
farmers and veterans. Creating contact
between our Farmer Veterans, and a sense
of community amongst them, is an
important part of our mission.
 Michael
O’Gorman
started the Farmer
Veteran Coalition in
January 2008.
 Michael: pioneer
organic farmer
for over 40 years.
• Production Manager in
organic vegetable
production.
 The
average age of a
U.S. Farmer is 57 yrs
old. For every 2
retiring, 1 begins
 45%
of the military
population comes
from rural
communities
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“These are the longest
wars in American
history. The veterans
we work with are not
looking for a hand-out
when they come home,
but the opportunity to
continue serving their
country through the
production of food”.
– Michael O’Gorman
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Informational
resources
Links/contacts for
appropriate federal
programs
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Library
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Farm Support
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Referrals
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Mentorships
Access to agriculture
training programs
Educational retreats
Educational
conferences and
workshops
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Job Placement
Internship &
Apprenticeship
Placement
The Farmer Veteran
Fellowship Fund
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FVC networks with the
agriculture industry to
determine
employment needs/
gaps that can be filled
by veterans.
Ideal non-seasonal
positions: production,
sales/ marketing,
purchasing,
administrative support,
and management.
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Goal: Enable future
employment in
agriculture
Hands-on learning
Farm based education
Future Mentors
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Distinct need for
hands-on training.
• Certifications
• Degrees
• Real life Experience
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Goal: Assist veterans
beginning a career in
food and farming, and
assist current Farmer
Veterans with business
expansion.
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Two Tracks
o Food & Farming
o Education & Training
• Diversified Vegetable
• Heritage Poultry
• Maple Syrup
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production
Mead production
Vineyards/ wine
production
Grass Fed Cattle
Fruit Orchards
Nut Orchards
Berries
Aquaponics
FVC works to
grow a network
of Farmer
Veterans
 Former
unit leaders
(squad level and
higher) and officers
to function as
mentors.
 Current
Farmer
Veterans to act as
mentors
Contact us: [email protected]
www.farmvetco.org
 Ph.530-756-1395
Fax.530-756-1612