Applications Available Now for Armed to Farm Veteran Training in Massachusetts
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is teaming up with the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (NESFP) to bring NCAT’s Armed to Farm training to Massachusetts for the first time. Veterans who want to attend the week-long training can apply online now.
About Armed to Farm
Armed to Farm allows veterans and their spouses to experience sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and explore career opportunities in agriculture. At Armed to Farm, participants learn about business planning, budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, USDA programs, livestock production, fruit and vegetable production, and more. Participants gain a strong foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farm. In addition, Armed to Farm attendees join a nationwide network of supportive farmer-veterans and agricultural advisors.
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. Speakers will include staff from USDA agencies and NESFP. Experienced crop and livestock producers will provide additional instruction.
Applications are due by June 9, 2023. Although the application period has closed… Armed to Farm MA has a few more last-minute openings for the training and we are looking for local veteran farmers who may have availability and are interested in signing up. Please have them reach out to Eric Fuchs-Stengel at: ericf@ncat.org or call the cell phone 201-819-9759 to discuss more!
This training is for veterans in the Northeast, with priority given to Massachusetts residents. The number of participants will be limited. NCAT will notify selected participants by June 16. One spouse or farm partner is welcome to attend with a veteran but must submit a separate application.
Dates, Location, and Cost
Armed to Farm will take place July 24-28 in Danvers, Massachusetts. Participants will attend classroom sessions and travel to local farms for hands-on learning experiences.
The event is free for those chosen to attend; lodging, transportation to local farms, and most meals will be provided. Participants must pay their own travel costs to and from the event, but travel scholarships are available through a partnership with Ranchin’ Vets. Information on travel scholarships will be provided upon acceptance to the training.
Sponsors
NCAT and New Entry Sustainable Farming Project have partnered to host this Armed to Farm event. This work is supported by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
Questions?
Please contact Lee Rinehart at lee@ncat.org or 479-587-3474.
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, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Learn more and become a friend of NCAT at NCAT.ORG.
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