Recirculating Farms Coalition Joins USDA Online Chat On Veterans In Agriculture

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Sep 23, 2015, 04:38 ET

NEW ORLEANS, La., Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On September 17, Recirculating Farms Coalition Executive Director Marianne Cufone joined USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and various veterans involved in farming for an online discussion about veterans in agriculture.

The group discussed, via an online chat through a Google+ Hangout, opportunities available for returning service members who are looking for long-term careers in farming and ranching.

Marianne Cufone said, "We were very excited to participate in the USDA online chat about veterans and farming, as we have been hosting programs over the last year to support veterans becoming more involved with agriculture."

The event allowed RFC to highlight the assorted benefits of water-based growing methods for veterans. During the talk, Cufone noted, "These growing methods are especially useful for more senior or disabled vets – their versatility in design inspires creativity and offers flexibility. Growing food often leads to healthier eating, and socializing, and these systems are usually vertical – in towers or elevated in beds – so they don't require much bending, and there is no weeding!"

Recirculating Farms Coalition received a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program grant from the USDA in February 2015. Since then, the organization has hosted a series of market (commercial) farmer trainings in New Orleans, Louisiana, especially focused on veterans, women, and socially disadvantaged communities.

Many veterans show interest in agriculture because they feel that working on the land helps them successfully transition to civilian life and provides them with a way to continue serving their community. As beginning farmers or ranchers, many veterans are eligible for various USDA programs and resources.

USDA is now working collaboratively with the Department of Defense in encouraging veterans' entry into agriculture.

USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden remarked, "This expanded collaboration between USDA and DOD will help to ensure that returning Service members know that there are a wide variety of loans, grants, training and technical assistance for veterans who are passionate about a career in agriculture, no matter their experience level."

Watch the full Google+ Hangout discussion on veterans and agriculture.

Media contacts: Marianne Cufone – 813-785-8386 or [email protected]

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SOURCE Recirculating Farms Coalition