FORBES ROAD, Pa. — The PA Veteran Farming Project in partnership with woman veteran-owned The Skirted Soldier has announced that the 2021 Pennsylvania Women Veteran in Agriculture grant program is now open for applications. Two $1000 grants will be awarded for equipment or improvements on the recipients farm or agribusiness.
The aim of the small grant program is to increase agribusiness profitability and sustainability for women who have honorably served in the military, and who combine entrepreneurial spirit with the desire to feed their communities. Applicants must be for-profit and have been in business for two years or more in Pennsylvania.
The Skirted Soldier ,a small farm-based business in Blue Knob, Bedford County, PA, specializes in military-themed custom tea blends like new variety Neutral Zone Nut Roll, and holiday blend Winter Warrior. Skirted Soldier teas are sold in 22 locations Pennsylvania and over 44 states in boutique and coffee shops in. Founder and Air Force veteran Rhonda Smith served as a surgery tech and held nursing billets at Landstuhl, Germany, while on active duty.
Turning their motto “Sip and support” into action, 10% of The Skirted Soldier’s sales are donated to charities serving female veterans.
Interested applicants may or apply online or download an application at troopstotractor.org. Deadline to apply is February 5, 2021, at 5 p.m.
Navy veteran Giana VanNice was the 2020 recipient of the inaugural competitive grant award. She was awarded funding to enhance her goat operation at Blue Dog Farms in New Freedom, PA.
–Mimi Thomas-Brooker, PA Veteran Farming Project