A grant program that connects veterans with resources to launch and support agricultural ventures would be reauthorized under legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. John Faso (R-NY).
The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) program aims to help veterans transition to civilian life through grants that help them establish farming operations and learn how to operate them more sustainably and profitably. Faso’s Veterans and Beginning Farmers Assistance Act would reauthorize ATTRA, which is slated to expire next year.
“The average age of a farmer is almost 60 years old while the post-9/11 veteran unemployment rate is at more than 4.5 percent,” Faso said. “This common sense piece of legislation addresses these two problems and ensures that this program continues to serve our veterans and farmers. A veteran returning from service, a young farmer breaking into the industry, and those who wish to farm more sustainably should have reliable resources at their fingertips.”
Faso introduced the bipartisan bill with U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH).
“Farming and local agriculture is an important component of our economy and identity in New Hampshire and communities throughout the country,” Kuster said. “Supporting our men and women in uniform when they return home is crucial and this legislation helps young veterans pursue or advance their careers in agriculture. This is a win for our veterans and a win for our economy.”
ATTRA has helped farmers for 30 years through training and technical assistance, said Margo Hale, the southeast regional director and armed to farm director at the national Center for Appropriate Technology.
“In addition, we have been honored to assist military veterans as they enter farming careers through our ATTRA-supported Armed to Farm program, including trainings specifically for New York veterans,” Hale said. “We have seen veterans start and expand farming operations, enter new markets and contribute to their local economies. We look forward to continuing this work for New York farmers, and all the farmers and veterans across the country.”