Bon Appétit Management Company Supports Farmer-Veteran Coalition Fellows’ Farming Aspirations

At the end of this month, all American troops will have been withdrawn from Iraq. Not only do they face a difficult re-entry into civilian society, but those leaving the service also face a tough job market, particularly in the rural areas to which many are returning.

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition has received a boost for its mission to mobilize veterans to feed America, by helping them gain momentum in their early farming careers. Bon Appétit Management Company has made a sizable holiday gift to the organization on behalf of the food service provider’s clients.

Thus far, veteran farmers Drew Wood, Vonita Murray, Matt Soldano, Phillip Northcutt, Kelly Carlisle and Frank Golbeck have each been awarded a portion of the grant and the title of Bon Appétit Good Food Fellow. These veterans represent the great diversity within our group of Fellowship Fund grantees both in background and agricultural focus.

Frank Golbeck, a US Navy veteran, started Golden Coast Mead on his family’s land in San Diego, California. As a Bon Appétit Good Food Fellow, he will be purchasing beehives to create an Estate Mead (honey wine). Air Force veteran Drew Wood runs a free-range poultry farm in Berryville, Arkansas, with his fiancée, Katie. The Bon Appétit grant has helped them purchase processing equipment that has already increased their productivity and sales this past November. Kelly Carlisle, a mother and veteran of the US Navy Reserve, began Acta Non Verba, a non-profit urban farm in East Oakland that focuses on serving at-risk youth from kindergarten to 5^th grade. As a grantee, Kelly will be able to further the mission of her non-profit.

According to Fellowship Fund Director Tia Christopher, “Our small grant program is unique in that we pair mentors with funding which creates a system of support for these veteran entrepreneurs.” With this grant from Bon Appétit Management Company, FVC hopes to continue with this successful work, supporting more and more veterans and their communities.

“America desperately needs more farmers,” said Bon Appétit Management Company CEO Fedele Bauccio. “We are proud to support these men and women who, having already served their country once, are willing to do so again by increasing our food security.”

Bon Appétit Management Company (www.bamco.com) is an on-site restaurant company offering full food-service management to corporations, universities, and specialty venues. Based in Palo Alto, CA, Bon Appétit has more than 400 cafés in 31 states, including eBay, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Getty Center. A pioneer in environmentally sound sourcing policies, Bon Appétit has developed initiatives addressing local purchasing, the overuse of antibiotics, sustainable seafood, cage-free eggs, the connection between food and climate change, and most recently, farmworker welfare. The impact of their programs has been far-reaching and meaningful.

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition is a national organization connecting military veterans with opportunities for employment, training, and places to heal on America’s farms. Parties interested in providing support to the fellowship or general support to FVC can reach us at info@farmvetco.org or call (530)-756-1395.

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Dear Beginning Farmers and Friends of Agriculture,

The California Farm Academy is having an Informational Session this Saturday, December 3^rd, from 1 pm to 4 pm for people interested in learning more about our six-month farming program.

Interested in becoming a farmer? Know someone who is?  Then join us on Saturday to meet the people leading the program, tour the farm and learn more about our schedule and curriculum.

Join us from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at:

The Center for Land-Based Learning

5265 Putah Creek Road

Winters, CA 95694

We invite you to find out more, share this program with your friends and apply online at:  CaliforniaFarmAcademy.org or call us at (530) 795-4146. Please email or call to RSVP for Saturday’s Information Session. California Farm Academy applications are due December 9^th or until the program is filled. Classes start February 16, 2012.

November 21, 2011 12:00 PM Eastern Time 

Prudential to contribute $6.2 million to support military veterans and their families

NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) will contribute $6.2 million to 10 nonprofit groups that help U.S. military veterans and their families transition back into civilian life.

“Prudential is committed to helping veterans develop meaningful careers after their military service and between deployments. Because this is not always easy, especially for wounded veterans, our contributions support nonprofit organizations that provide not just professional development but also a broad mix of services veterans critically need to successfully return to civilian life,” said Lori High, president of Prudential Group Insurance and executive sponsor of Prudential’s Veterans Initiative.

The initial $6.2 million in grants will be disbursed over two years to organizations that provide important services to veterans and their families:

• $1.62 million to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the only nonprofit Veterans Service Organization chartered solely to offer compassionate care to those grieving the death of a loved one who died in military service to our nation. TAPS provides ongoing emotional help, hope, and healing, regardless of relationship to the deceased, geography, or circumstance of the death.
• $1.17 million to New Directions. New Directions provides a broad spectrum of highly-regarded services focusing on homeless Veterans and Veterans at risk for homelessness, with the aim of full community reintegration. All but the most severely mentally ill are placed in jobs that match both their skills and their limitations, and remain case-managed over the course of a year on the job.
• $900,000 to the Center for Innovation and Research. The Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families, a research arm of the cutting-edge School of Military Social Work at USC, works to bridge the notable gaps between military and civilian communities through the development of education/training, the production of actionable research, and the facilitation of cross-sector partnerships.
• $800,000 to Swords to Plowshares. Swords to Plowshares’ mission is to heal the wounds; to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all Veterans in need; and to significantly reduce homelessness and poverty among Veterans through facilitating opportunities for dignified and sustainable housing and employment.
• $650,000 to The Pathway Home. The Pathway Home’s mission is to support resiliency, recovery, and best possible functioning for post-9/11 Veterans experiencing combat-related stress reactions, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other post-combat (or military-related trauma) conditions, as they attempt to reintegrate with work and community.
• $500,000 to Veterans Village of San Diego. For over thirty years, Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) has worked to meet its mission, “Leave No Veteran Behind.” By providing housing, treatment, advocacy, and job placement services in a community-oriented, peer support setting, VVSD helps Veterans suffering from the short- and long-term impacts of war—including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, drug abuse, and homelessness—to overcome barriers to successful community reintegration.
• $150,000 to the Farmer-Veteran Coalition. Farmer-Veteran Coalition exists to create viable and sustainable employment and career opportunities for the many Veterans who have experience with, knowledge of, and/or a deep interest in farming and the food industry. Its secondary purpose is to help Veterans reclaim a sense of continued service to our nation through growing healthy food for consumers.
• $150,000 to Hire Heroes USA. Hire Heroes USA offers transition assistance training and career placement services to those who have honorably served in the military—and to their spouses—with a special focus on the two demographics statistically most likely to be unemployed: young Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Veterans who are wounded or disabled. Almost all are enlisted, and many are without advanced education or prior work experience.
• $150,000 to Student Veterans of America. Student Veterans of America’s mission is to provide military Veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and after graduation. Their main focus is on Veterans’ transitions from higher education to employment.
• $120,000 to the Wall Street Warfighters Foundation. The mission of Wall Street Warfighters Foundation is to identify, develop, and place service-disabled Veterans in careers in the financial services industry. The program is a six month in-residence course based at Drexel Hamilton, a service-disabled veteran owned and operated institutional broker-dealer, in Philadelphia, PA. The program is designed to expose Veterans to the broader aspects of the financial services industry and to help them gain access to rewarding careers.

As part of Prudential’s longstanding commitment to U.S. Veterans, active service members and veterans already in our employ, Prudential’s Veterans Initiative team coordinates companywide efforts to create sustainable programs for transitioning veterans, and collaborates with corporate peers to support similar programs with an emphasis on providing veterans access to quality education, job training, and employment opportunities. These efforts include Prudential’s sponsorship of VETalent, an innovative training and hiring program run by Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS), a nonprofit 501©(3) organization with a proven track record. For more information, visit www.prudential.com/veterans.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $871 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2011, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services ,mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit http://www.news.prudential.com.

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily Randall

Farmer-Veteran Coalition

(530) 756-1395

emily@farmvetco.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

USDA GRANTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN VETERANS

USDA Risk Management Agency to sponsor Farmer-Veteran Coalition event for Summer 2012

Davis, Ca November 2011–USDA Risk Management Agency has granted the Farmer-Veteran Coalition (FVC), with help from Annie’s Project of Iowa, the funds to host the “Empowering Women Veterans: Success in Agriculture Business and Well-Being” conference in Davis, Ca in July of 2012. This conference, the first of its kind, aims to bring women veterans together in an environment that is specifically designed to address their unique experiences and needs in agriculture.

Women veterans are an underserved and underrepresented growing population, according to FVC. The 2006 American Community Survey states, “As a proportion of the veteran population, women went from nearly 4 percent in 1980 to…6 percent in 2003…and projected to increase steadily: 8 percent in 2010…and 10 percent by 2020.” Upon entry into the civilian population, women veterans face high unemployment rates as do their male veteran peers. This conference will bring women leaders in business and agriculture to speak to the veterans about the challenges faced by women in these sectors and the programs that are available to specifically help women succeed.

“FVC sees the importance of women veterans making connections with other women veterans,” says FVC Fellowship Fund Director Tia Christopher. “This opportunity will raise awareness of the attendees’ national and local benefits and resources and will address their needs both as veterans and as farmers. These powerful women will have a chance to learn about and take with them valuable resources which will support and ease their transition into agriculture.” At the conference, expert instructors will provide seminars on creating a successful business plan, as well as on agriculture specific topics and how to mitigate the major risks associated with farming.

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition seeks to mobilize our food and farming community to create healthy and viable futures for veterans on America’s farms. Annie’s Project is an educational program dedicated to strengthening women’s roles in the modern farm enterprise.

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Farmer Veteran Coalition, 508 2nd Street, Suite 206, Davis, CA 95616

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition, in cooperation with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, hosted the “Coming Home to Farm” Retreat in Elkins Park, PA on the weekend of August 19-21. This was the last in a year-long series of events funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency intended to introduce new veteran farmers to various areas of agriculture and risk management practices.

The retreat was an important step for these veterans, giving them opportunities to see successful farms and to learn from successful farmers. They visited four different farms and received presentations from two very knowledgeable men working in agriculture. This experience gives the veterans courage, reassuring them that their farming feats are possible and manageable. One of the veteran attendees explains that, “moving from a military identity to a farming identity is daunting. This event and organization bring together my two passions and help me to start building a support group.”

The veterans visited Penny Pack Farms, a CSA that also functioned as an educational center, teaching inner city (Philadelphia) youths about agriculture and organic practices. They also toured Peace Tree farms; an incredible, high-tech organic greenhouse. The owner/operator described why they took their high tech approach to growing as well as his process for deciding on what new equipment to purchase. In addition, the veterans ventured onto the Seva Retreat grounds where a local farmer grows a staggering array of crops and cut flowers using SPIN methods. They were able to see, firsthand, the potential of a SPIN farm. Chris Ritthaler, the National Veteran Outreach Coordinator for FVC explains, “the farms that the veterans toured at this retreat were each extremely unique and showed the wide diversity present in today’s small scale agricultural operations.”

Jason Foscolo, a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate who now specializes in food and agriculture law gave an excellent presentation during the retreat. He stressed that farmers and food producers are treated differently under the law, and that the farmers should understand how to gainfully utilize these important distinction. Andy Pressman, an employee of NCAT and a National Instructor for SPIN Farming talked in depth about the concept and application of SPIN. He generated a great deal of interest from the veterans who had limited land resources as well as from those looking at new ways to increase yield in their own small plot gardens.

Overall, the “Coming Home to Farm” retreat was a major success, generating a higher turnout than expected and even accumulating a waiting list.  The veterans learned a great deal and are now better equipped to return to their own farming efforts with boosted confidence and newly acquired educational tools. Farmer-Veteran Coalition is glad to put on these events and looks forward to hosting more in the future!

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Emily Randall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Farmer-Veteran Coalition Awards New Bob Woodruff Farming Fellows and Wells Fargo Fellow

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition is proud to present our three new grant recipient fellows. Adam Burke and Mark Beyers have joined the ranks as our newest Bob Woodruff Farming Fellows. We are also pleased to name Jeremy Lopez as our first Wells Fargo Fellow. These three men are inspirational young veterans who each have a clear passion for farming. They each have will receive grants to help spark their farming careers and assist them in reaching their goals. FVC will follow up with their successes made possible by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Wells Fargo in the near future.

Adam and his wife Michele

Adam, a Purple Heart veteran with 9 year’s service in the Army, was injured twice in Iraq. After recovering from his first injury, he returned to combat. Then, three days before his fifteen-month tour was to end in 2004, he took a mortar hit while serving in Balad, in the middle of the Sunni triangle. Adam suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and vertigo – but has not only returned to his roots in blueberry farming he has created a farm to help other disabled veterans.

Adam was one of the first veterans to receive support from FVC; we helped him get his first acre and a half of berries, which he planted above ground in 30 gallon containers so his farm could be wheel chair accessible and even gave him the name Red, White & Blueberries. Adam has since taken on a second, larger piece of property through the generous help of Work Vessels for Veterans, who have helped Adam launch Project Blueberry and Veterans Farm into a growing business and sanctuary for many disabled veterans. FVC wants to continue to support the work of Adam and Veterans Farm.

Mark and his wife Denise both served in the US Marine Corps. Mark was injured in Iraq and is now a double amputee. Undeterred, Mark explains that he doesn’t feel useful or productive if he is not working or helping out. Mark and Denise began harvesting maple syrup on their property in upstate New York as a hobby in 2010. They would now like to make this their full time business but lack the equipment to make it viable. With the help of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, FVC will help turn their maple syrup production into a working enterprise.

Jeremy Lopez and Joe Judge

Jeremy, the first Wells Fargo Fellow, served in the United States Marine Corps for 5 years and achieved the elite status of Embassy Guard. He attends veteran support groups to encourage recently separating veterans through the difficult transition process from military to civilian life. Jeremy has spent the last several years interning and working on organic farms as well as on a vineyard. Jeremy is seeking a certificate in sustainable agriculture with an emphasis in Biodynamics, which combines structured on-farm training and mentoring with classroom study. Jeremy’s long-term goal is to include using his experience, training, and certifications to go into farm management.

Joe Judge, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors and Advisory Board Member for FVC’s Fellowship Fund, recommended Jeremy highly, saying, “I cannot think of a more deserving candidate to be the first Wells Fargo Fellow.”

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition is excited to create opportunities for these determined veterans and is grateful to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Wells Fargo for making this process possible.

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The Farmer-Veteran Coalition (FVC) and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) are making last minute preparations for “A Call to Farms”, a two and a half day intensive crop production workshop in Elkins Park, PA, August 19-August 21, 2011. This educational workshop includes farm tours and hands-on learning opportunities at small-scale intensive fruit, vegetable, and cut flower operations, as well as presentations on sustainable soil management, intensive crop production techniques, farm planning, and marketing.

“A Call to Farms” is sponsored by the FVC—a non-profit organization that assists veterans pursuing careers in food and farming– and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) of the United States Department of Agriculture. This free event is the fifth in a series of retreats following ones held in California, Iowa and Arkansas.

“These retreats give veteran farmers an amazing opportunity to come together and learn about a wide range of agricultural areas and practices,” says Chris Ritthaler, the National Veteran Outreach Coordinator for FVC, “Hopefully the attendees can then return to their communities and implement the practices that they are exposed to, and be successful in their chosen field. “

NCAT, a national non-profit with a regional office in Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), are coordinating the farm tours, logistics, and presentations for “A Call to Farms.” Meals will feature local products from many of the farms that are visited.

On May 15, veterans and many family members attended the “Armed to Farm” retreat in Northwest Arkansas. Besides FVC, NCAT and the RMA, support also came from the University of Arkansas. The retreat focused on sustainable poultry and small ruminant production. Hands-on tours of chicken, pork, sheep and goats were given throughout the two days, interspersed with meals prepared with local produce and the meats of the farms we visited.  Every veteran had the opportunity to milk a goat, clean their hooves, take a sheep into submission, check their eyelids for intestinal health, handle pigs and build a portable chicken coop.

“These retreats are extremely powerful tools for introducing veterans to  farming, to each other, and to the network of groups that want to support   them,” said FVC Founder and Director Michael O’Gorman.

In July, the “Coming Home to Farm” retreat in central Iowa focused on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture. A major donation came from Blue River Hybrids, one of the nation’s largest producers of organic, non-GMO field seed.  Tours included farmer’s markets, a local vineyard, an organic apple orchard, an organic CSA and a father-son organic soybean, corn, beef and pork farm. The son, Jeff Hafford, had also served two tours in  Afghanistan and shared his newest project, aquaponics, with the eager veterans. Well-known chef, Donna Pritzingas, prepared an evening feast on the farm featuring all local cheese, produce and Niman Ranch pork.

On February 25, veterans attended the “Good Food Educational Retreat for Veterans” in Los Angeles. The focus was introducing veterans to opportunities in urban agriculture and to the movement to bring healthy food into America’s food deserts. One day was spent planting community gardens at four underserved schools and one hospital. The second day included informational tours of two large organic distributors; both of which spoke about employment opportunities as well as how to enter the wholesale marketplace. Evening talks were given on urban farming, hydroponics and campaigns to create urban gardens and food distribution.

“Many more retreats are planned with partners throughout the country in the coming year,” said O’Gorman.

Now Accepting Applications from Vets for July 2011 “Coming Home to Farm” Retreat in Iowa

April 12, 2011 – Davis, CA – The Farmer Veteran Coalition is accepting applications from veterans who seek a career in farming and wish to attend “Coming Home to Farm,” a two and a half day organic farming retreat in Iowa on July 14-16, 2011. The educational retreat includes farm tours of sustainable grain, vegetable, and livestock operations, as well as presentations on organic certification, production techniques, and marketing. Interested veterans can apply by contacting Michael Porter, director of career development, with the Farmer Veteran Coalition at 530-756-1395  or info@farmvetco.org.

Sponsored by Blue River Hybrids of Kelley, Iowa—the leading producer of organic field seed—and the Risk Management Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, “Coming Home to Farm” is free to both veterans and active-duty military personnel. Due to limited spacing, preference will be given to veterans who have demonstrated a serious interest in pursuing food and farming careers and to post 9-11 veterans who are near the beginning of their career.

“We are excited to offer a farmer-veteran retreat in America’s heartland,” says Michael O’Gorman, executive director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. “Vets are already accustomed to hard work, discipline and dedication, and are in a unique position to strengthen Midwest family farms, the sustainable farming movement, and local and regional food systems.”

More than 40 percent of America’s men and woman in uniform are from rural communities. When veterans receive training and secure agricultural employment in those communities, rural America is strengthened.

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Des Moines, Iowa is coordinating the Iowa farm tours, logistics, and presentations for the “Coming Home to Farm” retreat .

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Blue River Hybrids is the leading supplier of organic lines of corn, sudangrass, and sunflower hybrids, as well as soybean, red clover, and alfalfa varieties. Organic farmers choose Blue River Hybrids for dependable performance, backed by an ongoing commitment to organic product development. Blue River Hybrids organic seed is sold by more than 100 dealers and distributors across the United States. To learn more, visit www.blueriverorgseed.com or call 800.370.7979

The Farmer-Veteran Coalition finds returning veterans employment, training, and places to heal on America’s farms. By mobilizing farming communities to create healthy and viable futures for America’s veterans, vets are in a unique position to build our green economy, rebuild our rural communities, and secure a safe and healthy food supply. The Farmer-Veteran Coalition is a project of Community Partners. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.farmvetco.org or call 530.756.1395  

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a non-profit dedicated to helping people and communities adopt technologies that save energy and resources. NCAT helps family farmers, government agencies, small businesses, other nonprofits, and low income organizations learn about sustainable energy, agriculture, and community development opportunities through training, publications, websites, technical assistance, and telephone help lines. To learn more, visit www.ncat.org.

The Risk Management Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture helps producers manage their business risks through effective, market-based risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America’s agricultural producers. For more information, visit http://www.rma.usda.gov.