Veteran Farmers, Serving Our Country Twice, by Defending it and Feeding it

Send us Fan MailWhen I became aware of The Farmer Veteran Coalition, I just had to learn more.  The Mission of Farmer Veteran Coalition is Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America. They are cultivating  a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and developing viable employment and meaningful careers for veterans. They believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. And, most critically, they believe and have demonstrated that agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits. Farmer Veteran Coalition is providing our American veterans opportunities to grow food in America and ultimately feed Americans. I am so moved by the mission and work of this organization. Founded by Michael O’Gorman in 2008, O’Gorman believed deeply in American Agriculture and that it was ready to provide great opportunities for the men and women who had put their life on the line for our country.In November, 2014 the Coalition sponsored the first Farmer Veteran Stakeholders Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. One memorable moment at the conference was a podium shared by ranking members of the USDA, Department of Labor, Small Business Administration, Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.   For the first time ever, five key departments of the Federal government were sharing ideas about a critical, yet previously ignored, sector of those returning home from service. The  vision for the future is an organization that will be around for decades, in every state and continuing to unite the agricultural sector – government, education, private industry, conventional and alternative farming and the veterans themselves.  It will no longer be important to know how and when they began, but that they will be there, offering assistance to all those who chose to serve their country twice – once by defending it and once by feeding it.I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Jeanette Lombardo, Executive Director of Farmer’ Veteran Coalition who was selected from ver  300 applicants and has served the mission of this organization for over 5 years.  With a minimal staff, she and her team work to transition veterans into agriculture. Jeanette and her team work tirelessly with over 350 organizations to help fulfill the Coalition’s mission. Enjoy my conversation with Jeanette Lombardo…and spread the word about this amazing organization. Farmer Veteran CoalitionHomegrown By HeroesThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network