Homegrown By Heroes:
US military veterans in produce industry allowed to use special logo on products
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) created the Homegrown By Heroes labelling as part of its Kentucky Proud marketing program in 2013. More than 60 Kentucky farmer veterans have already registered their farms with KDA to use the Homegrown By Heroes label. At a bi-partisan event in Louisville on Veterans Day 2013, Kentucky’s political and National Guard leaders joined Agricultural Commissioner James Comer as he announced a national partnership for FVC to launch the Homegrown By Heroes program outside of the Commonwealth.
Only 16 percent of America’s population lives in rural areas, yet 40 percent of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military come from those same rural communities. The FVC recognizes the commitment of rural Americans to military service with the goal of developing viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. Veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities, and food production offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits to those veterans. At a time when Post-9/11 veterans are experiencing a 9 percent unemployment rate[1] (compared to the national average of 6.3 percent), agriculture can be a meaningful solution for veterans returning home and looking to provide for their families. The Homegrown By Heroes label will afford consumers the opportunity to thank a veteran for their service by purchasing their farm products.
To qualify for the Homegrown By Heroes label, one must have served honourably or still be serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and be at least 50 percent owner and/or operator of the farm business. Veterans of all eras are encouraged to apply. FVC staff assists applicants in developing food safety plans and, if needed, business plans. FVC is now accepting and processing Homegrown By Heroes applications, which can be completed at www.hgbh.org.
Farm Credit, the nation’s largest network of farmer-owned agricultural lenders, supported the national launch of the Homegrown By Heroes label with a donation of $250,000. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the National Farmers Union (NFU), and a wide array of other farm organizations also support the Homegrown By Heroes label.
For more information, or to register with Homegrown By Heroes, please visit www.farmvetco.org.
For more information:
Danelle Sherman
AugustineIdeas
Tel: +1 (916) 960-2885
Email: [email protected]
