GREENSBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s network for veterans who farm has announced that competition is open for the first Force Multiplier Grant Program. Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, this grant program recognizes honorably discharged veteran producers in Pennsylvania who have been farming for at least two years.
With skyrocketing costs for fuel, fertilizer, and materials, this is a timely opportunity for veteran farmers who have delayed making improvements or starting new farm projects. PA Veteran Farming Project Board Chair Rhonda Smith, a United States Air Force veteran, states, “We are thankful for the opportunity coming from the PA Farm Bill that includes grant funding for Pennsylvania veteran farmers. Through these grants, PA veteran farmers who have served their country and who are now serving others in the Commonwealth can apply for up to $10,000 for various agribusiness needs.”
Up to ten $10,000 grants are anticipated to be awarded in January, 2023; projects must be completed by June 15, 2023. The total project budget may not exceed $10,000. The application is open now and closes Monday, November 14, 2022 at 5 pm ET.
Eligibility:
- Honorably discharged military veterans—Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard
- Applicants must reside in Pennsylvania.
- The applicant must be a 50% or more owner of the farm and must invest a significant effort in farm operations on a daily basis.
- Only one application will be accepted per farm. If jointly owned by two veterans, they may apply as co-applicants, but only one grant per farm will be awarded.
Applications will be judged competitively by an independent panel of qualified judges.
Interested veteran farmers should visit https://www.troopstotractors.org/ and review eligibility and application guidelines closely.
An applicant walk-through webinar will be offered Wednesday, October 26 at noon ET. Registration information is available on the Force Multiplier Grant page.
Please direct questions to director@troopstotractors.org
–Mimi Thomas-Brooker, PA Veteran Farming Network/Troops to Tractors