NCAT’s Free Farmer-Veteran Training is Headed to Alabama

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is partnering with Alabama A&M University’s Small Farm Center and the Rural South Institute to bring the free Armed to Farm training to Alabama for the first time. Armed to Farm will take place October 31-November 4 in Huntsville. Farmer-veterans will attend classroom sessions and travel to local farms for hands-on learning experiences.

Armed to Farm trainings include an engaging blend of farm tours, hands-on activities, and interactive classroom instruction. NCAT Sustainable Agriculture specialists will lead the training sessions, along with staff from USDA agencies. Experienced crop and livestock producers will provide additional instruction.

“We’re eager to bring Armed to Farm to Alabama,” said Rockiell Woods, NCAT Gulf States Regional Director. “Armed to Farm has served more than 900 veterans in all corners of the country as they start or grow their own sustainable farm business, giving those farmers practical tools to continue serving their communities.”  

Armed to Farm is a sustainable agriculture training program for military veterans. NCAT, a national nonprofit organization based in Butte, Montana, developed Armed to Farm in 2013 through a cooperative agreement with USDA-Rural Development. Farmer veterans learn how to make a business plan and market their products, how to access USDA programs, set business goals, and develop mentorships with seasoned farmers.

“Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center is ecstatic to partner with NCAT again, and also welcome farmer veterans to ‘the Hill,’ said E’licia L. Chaverest, Assistant Director of Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center. “AAMU Small Farms Research Center has over 25 years of experience working with farmers, educating and empowering them in becoming more sustainable and profitable with their farm operations. We look forward to a successful program and interacting with farmer veterans and engaging with other great farmers in North Alabama.”

Armed to Farm’s Alabama training is supported by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Successful applicants may also receive a travel stipend thanks to our partnership with California-based Ranchin’ Vets.

Learn more about NCAT’s Armed to Farm and additional training series at ARMEDTOFARM.ORG.

 

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THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has field offices in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Learn more and become a friend of NCAT at NCAT.ORG