Veteran FarmUP Program
What is Veteran FarmUP?
CT RC&D's Veteran FarmUP program offers one-on-one assistance to new and existing Veteran-owned or operated farms and agricultural businesses. The goal is to help you navigate the many programs, grants, incentives, and resources available in Connecticut to support your operation.
Getting Started with Veteran FarmUP
Once you submit a brief intake form, a CT RC&D staff member will reach out to coordinate an initial 45-minute consultation via virtual meeting or conference call, whichever you'd prefer. CT RC&D staff members bring a variety of knowledge, experience, and expertise to this consultation, with the goal being to:
Discuss your current farming operation and goals
Identify challenges you're experiencing in starting or growing your operation
If appropriate, discuss business formation to-do's, including municipal and state registrations, REG-8 (Application for Farmer Tax Exemption Permit), etc.
Connect you with relevant federal, state, and local agencies, including those specific to Veterans
Consider potential funding sources for equipment, infrastructure, or projects, including those specific to Veterans
Support business planning, development, and long-term viability
Share networking opportunities, upcoming events, and educational programming
Provide you with comprehensive meeting notes and actionable next steps
Path to Victory
Through the CT Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Enhancement Grant, and in partnership with the Connecticut Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, CT RC&D has created the Path to Victory program to provide training and resource assistance to CT Farmer Veterans, including custom farmer-to-farmer business startup assistance. The Path to Victory program is led by Farmer Veterans for Farmer Veterans.
Funding for this project was paid for by the Agricultural Enhancement Grant established by the Community Investment Act (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j)
Sign Up for Veteran FarmUP and Path to Victory Today!
Learn more about the programs and incentives available here to Veteran farmers.
CT Veteran Grown
The Connecticut Veteran Grown initiative has been brought to life thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. CT RC&D is utilizing this grant to bring resources to the state's Farmer Veterans. The goals of this project are to:
- Promote Veteran-owned or operated farms to consumers around the state through a media campaign, documentary and commercials, interactive farm locator, TV and radio, and more.
- Provide virtual and in-person training opportunities, one-on-one assistance, and a growing resource hub on CTVeteranGrown.org to support Farmer Veterans in growing their farm operation.
Homegrown by Heroes
In partnership with the CT Department of Agriculture and the Connecticut Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, CT RC&D has supported the creation of the Connecticut Grown/Homegrown by Heroes merged mark. The Homegrown by Heroes label is the official Farmer Veteran branding program of America and is administered by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition. It certifies farmers from all military branches to sell their products as Veteran-owned and produced. The label informs consumers that agricultural products donning the logo were produced by U.S. military Veterans, and it allows Veterans to differentiate their farm products in the marketplace.
To utilize the HBH logo on your farm's marketing materials, products, or website, you must:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Please get in touch and we'll be happy to talk to you.
This program is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development-Rural Business Development Grant, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.