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INVESTIGATOR: Fanatico, A.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 28608

GOING WHOLE HOG: SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK AND AGROFORESTRY TRAINING FOR MILITARY VETERANS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Since the post 9/11 wars, there is a new generation of U.S. military veterans. Many veterans have made great sacrifices, some suffering from injuries and trauma, and need assistance in transitioning to civilian life. At the same time, there is a need for a new generation of farmers in the U.S., especially with the growth of the local food movement across the country. Farming is a good career match for many veterans as the skills that made them successful in the military transfer to the farm. Agriculture is often healing work, based on nature and empowering people. In our nation, there is a critical need for sustainable agriculture education, training, mentorship, and networking support for veterans. Our team will address these problems as we build on prior BFRDP work that has supported hundreds of veterans through education and training opportunities, accomplished with university, nonprofit, government, farmer partners based in Arkansas. "Operation North Carolina" will expand to a new area, creating innovative partnerships led by the Department of Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University, including veteran farmers. We will develop innovative sustainable farming training modules that are available on-line with a focus on livestock, particularly swine and agroforestry. We will hold trainings for veterans that not only educate but also build relationships. We will feature team-based, hands-on workshops, customized internships, and advanced training. We will help veterans attend sustainable farming conferences, network, connect to resources, and provide on-going support. We will help veterans enter farming and become more successful (financially, socially, and environmentally). Our project will also contribute to larger social good. The work will contribute to increasing ecological of agricultural production and protecting environmental resources, while protecting livelihood and food security.

OBJECTIVES: Military veterans need support in transitioning to civilian life upon completion of their duty. At the same time, more farmers are needed in the U.S., especially with a focus on ecological production. Farming can offer a meaningful livelihoods to veterans. Community-based food systems can help connect veterans with their communities and also help ensure that consumers have equitable access to healthy local food. Our goals for this project are a) to help veteran farmers and other beginning farmers enter farming, b) to increase their success in farming (economic, social, and environmental), and c) increase the sustainability of farming and food systems. Objectives to reach our goals are:Develop website, materials, and training modules on sustainable agriculture. Enhance existing courses, add training modules for pastured and woodlot swine production and agroforestry practices to our New Farmer Online Education Program. Focus on successionally-developed agroecosystems with perennial forages, agroforestry, and livestock;Provide training opportunities for veterans with hands-on components, including workshops and Armed to Farm Boot Camp and customized internship opportunities;Provide mentoring and networking to support veterans as they enter farming and increase sustainability. Our work will increase sustainability of agricultural production, equity and social justice in food systems, while protecting natural resources.