Veteran Farm Access and Support Act: Why It Matters for America’s Veterans and Food System

keepourvetshoused
3 hours ago
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Across the United States, tens of thousands of military veterans are turning to farming and agriculture as a pathway to meaningful work, economic stability, community connection, and mental wellness. Yet despite this promise, many veterans face significant barriers to accessing farmland, financing, training, and supportive resources. The Veteran Farm Access and Support Act is designed to unlock these opportunities, strengthen rural communities, and honor the service of those who served our nation.

Veterans in Agriculture: A Powerful But Under‑Supported Force

According to national agriculture data, over 370,000 U.S. agricultural producers report military service—representing roughly 11% of all farmers and ranchers in the country. These veterans operate farms totaling about 129 million acres and contribute over $40 billion in agricultural sales each year. USDA

In some states, the impact is even more pronounced: in Virginia alone, nearly 8,000 veteran operators run more than 7,000 farms, accounting for about 21% of all farms in the state and generating hundreds of millions in sales. VAFB Articles

Despite representing only about 7% of U.S. adults, veterans comprise 11% of farm producers and are essential to the resilience of the agricultural workforce—a sector already challenged by an aging population and declining number of new farmers. choicesmagazine.org

Why Veterans Choose Farming

Many veterans are drawn to agriculture for reasons deeply rooted in their military experience and personal needs:

Purposeful Work: Farming offers a clear mission and tangible goals—similar to military service—helping veterans navigate the often difficult transition to civilian life. choicesmagazine.org
Therapeutic Benefits: Working with land, crops, and livestock has been shown to support mental health, provide routine and structure, and contribute to wellness among veterans. AgriSafe Network
Community and Identity: Rural communities and farming networks can provide a sense of belonging and shared purpose that many veterans seek after service. SAMHSA

Barriers Veterans Face in Accessing Land and Resources

Despite their interest and proven contributions, veterans who want to farm often struggle with:

1. Land Access and Cost - Farmland in the U.S. has become increasingly expensive and competitive, making it difficult for new and veteran farmers to secure affordable land without significant capital.

2. Financing Challenges - Veterans entering agriculture may lack farm experience—or the financial backing—required by traditional lenders. Specialized USDA programs exist, but navigating eligibility and application requirements can be a barrier itself. Farmers.gov

3. Lack of Training and Technical Support - While organizations and USDA programs provide training, many veterans need more accessible and targeted education in business planning, farm operations, marketing, and sustainable practices. NIFA Reporting Portal

4. Health and Disability Considerations - About 30% of veterans have at least one service‑connected disability, which may include physical injury or neurological and mental health conditions—challenges that can intersect with agricultural work. The Roanoke Star

Existing Support: What Works & What’s Missing

Federal and nonprofit programs provide important support, such as:

USDA Loan and Assistance Programs: Veterans can access priority consideration for farm loans, conservation programs, risk management assistance, and technical help through USDA agencies. Farmers.gov
Grant Funding Initiatives: The USDA 2501 Program recently announced $27.6 million in grants to support outreach and technical assistance for veteran and underserved farmers in 27 states. USDA
Training Programs: Nonprofits and USDA partners offer agricultural training and mentorship tailored to veterans, helping bridge knowledge gaps and build confidence. NIFA Reporting Portal

However, these supports are often fragmented and underfunded, leaving many veterans without the guidance or resources they need to start or grow a farm.

Why the Veteran Farm Access and Support Act Is Needed

The Veteran Farm Access and Support Act acknowledges three essential truths:

Veterans bring valuable skills, work ethic, and resilience to agriculture.
The nation’s food security and rural economies depend on a thriving and diverse farming workforce.
Without targeted access to land, finance, education, and community support, many veterans will continue to miss out on these opportunities.

This legislation would expand financial resources, training, mentorship, and technical assistance, making it easier for veterans to transition into and succeed in agriculture—strengthening families, bolstering rural economies, and increasing food sovereignty.

A Win‑Win Vision: Strong Veterans, Strong Farms, Strong Communities

Supporting veterans in agriculture isn’t just about rewarding service—it’s about investing in America’s future. When veterans have the tools and access they need to farm, they:

Build sustainable businesses and create jobs.
Strengthen local food systems and community resilience.
Improve mental health through purposeful, rewarding work.
Preserve farmland and steward the land for future generations.

The Veteran Farm Access and Support Act is not only a fitting tribute to those who served—it is a smart investment in the economic and social health of our nation.

Read the proposed Act here:

Citation List — Veteran Agriculture & Support Programs

Veteran Farm Statistics

U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (2017). Producers with military service: U.S. Census of Agriculture highlights. In 2017, 370,619 agricultural producers reported having served or currently serving in the U.S. military, accounting for about 11% of the nation’s 3.4 million producers, operating over 129 million acres and generating approximately $41 billion in agricultural sales. USDA
U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (2022). Census of Agriculture: Producers with military service in 2022. In 2022, 305,753 producers who had served or were serving in the military accounted for roughly 9% of all U.S. producers, with farms operated by these producers generating about $49 billion in agricultural product sales and representing roughly 15% of U.S. farms. USDA

Veteran and Underserved Farmers Support Programs3. U.S. Department of Agriculture (2024). USDA announces $22 million to support underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers through the 2501 Program. This funding supports community‑based and nonprofit groups providing training, outreach, and technical assistance to help veteran and underserved producers succeed in agriculture. USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture (2023). USDA announces $27.6 million to support underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers through the 2501 Program. This investment provides training, outreach and technical assistance via grants funded through the 2501 Program. USDA
USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters—2501 Program FAQs. The 2501 Program, originally created by the 1990 Farm Bill and expanded in the 2014 Farm Bill to include veterans, helps underserved and veteran producers equitably participate in USDA programs via grant awards to eligible organizations. USDA
Ambrook / USDA funding overview. Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501). The 2501 Program provides technical assistance and outreach to veteran and underserved farmers, with mandatory funding increases under the 2018 Farm Bill and combined support through the FOTO program. Ambrook

Veteran Farming Definitions and Policy History7. USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement / Federal Farm Bill context. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the USDA 2501 Program to formally include veterans, ensuring greater access to outreach and technical assistance for veteran producers. USDA

Economic Research Service / Food and Agriculture Policy. 2014 Farm Bill — Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers. This Farm Bill added veteran farmers as a category for expanded USDA support and included policy changes to promote veteran access to programs, set‑asides, and outreach assistance. Economic Research Service

Additional Context & Historical Reference9. Farmer Veteran Coalition. Farmer Veteran Coalition overview. The Farmer Veteran Coalition is a national nonprofit organization mobilizing veterans to feed America and transition into agricultural careers; it has provided millions in grants to veteran producers. Wikipedia