Application Period Open for Armed to Urban Farm in New Orleans

NCAT and the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) are offering their popular veterans’ urban agriculture training in New Orleans in October 2024.

Armed to Urban Farm gives military veterans an opportunity to see sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and learn about urban farming as a career. Armed to Urban Farm will include a week of engaging classroom sessions, farm tours, and hands-on activities in New Orleans.

Armed to Urban Farm participants will learn about whole-farm planning, farm financial planning, urban crop production, urban soils, marketing, and more. Participants will gain a strong foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable urban farming enterprise. In addition, attendees will join a nationwide network of supportive farmer-veterans and agricultural advisors.

Instructors will include NCAT sustainable agriculture specialists and U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies. Attendees will also learn from producers experienced in an urban setting.

Veterans can complete the online application HERE. The deadline to apply is August 30.

The program is available to military veterans who are interested in starting an urban farm or who are beginning urban farmers (less than 10 years). All veterans are welcome to apply, but those from the Southeast region will receive priority. Spouses and adult farming partners are welcome as well but must submit separate applications. Selected participants will be notified by September 6.

Dates, Location, and Cost

The training will take place October 7 -11, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event is free for those accepted to attend. Lodging, transportation to local urban 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.

Hosts

NCAT and the USBG, partners in this program, will organize and host the Armed to Urban Farm event in New Orleans.

Questions?

Please contact Andy Pressman, andyp@ncat.org or (479) 587-3475.

Application Period Open for Armed to Farm in Iowa

NCAT is teaming up with Practical Farmers of Iowa to host an Armed to Farm training in Cedar Rapids. Veterans who want to attend the week-long training can apply now.

About Armed to Farm

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. Additional contributors will include staff from USDA agencies and experienced crop and livestock producers.

This training is for veterans in the Midwest region, with priority given to Iowa residents. The number of participants will be limited. One spouse or farm partner is welcome to attend with a veteran but must submit a separate application.

Applications are available HERE.

Dates, Location, and Cost

Armed to Farm will take place July 29-August 2 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 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 reimbursements are available through a partnership with Ranchin’ Vets. Information on travel reimbursements will be provided upon acceptance to the training.

Sponsors

NCAT and Practical Farmers of Iowa have partnered to host this Armed to Farm. This training is supported by USDA NIFA’s AgVets program.

Questions?

Please contact Margo Hale at margoh@ncat.org.