SCHUMER URGES FEDERAL USDA TO FUND NEW AND INNOVATIVE CORNELL UNIVERSITY VETS FARMING PROGRAM TO INCREASE TRAINING, RESOURCES FOR RETURNING VETS SEEKING TO START FARM-RELATED CAREERS

2014 Farm Bill Provided Funding Through Dept. of Agriculture To Fill Funding Gap & Deliver Farm Training to Thousands of NYS Vets Via Cornell University’s Northeast Beginning Farmer Project – Could Bring More Vets into NYS Agriculture Sector

Schumer Calls on USDA to Swiftly Grant Funds to Cornell University Program to Enhance Resources, Training & Linkages for Vets To Enter Farm-Related Careers

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced his push to secure federal funds for Cornell University’s Northeast Beginning Farmer Project (NBFP), which seeks to provide educational opportunities and support networks for military veterans looking to enter the farming profession. Cornell is applying for $750,000 in federal funds through the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP) to make this initiative a reality.

Schumer explained that veterans frequently encounter unique obstacles when considering a career in farming, since agriculture is not directly supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, veterans cannot use VA education funds for most farm training, and often cannot use vocational training funds for farm-related occupations. In addition, many veterans have unique disabilities (e.g. amputations, PTSD), and they need any farm training to include mechanisms that help address these issues. Schumer explained that, over the last two years, the NBFP has begun receiving an increasing number of requests each month from veterans seeking assistance. With funding, Cornell University will help bring more veterans into the fold of New York State’s agricultural sector. Schumer explained that, with funding, Cornell aims to enhance the resources and training available to military veterans interested in farming by teaming with established veterans groups to create programs that better link veterans to agricultural opportunities and provide the necessary training.

“Right now there is an unfortunate gap that makes it very difficult for returning vets to access federal resources to help them secure jobs in the farming sector,” said Schumer. “Fortunately, this year’s Farm Bill filled the gap by allowing veterans to receive funding for agricultural education and training through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and I am urging them to approve funding for the innovative Cornell University ‘Beginning Farmer Project’ to train and place returning vets in farming-related careers. The Northeast Beginning Farmer Project at Cornell is a fantastic program that helps prepare veterans for careers in farming by providing them with the education and opportunities they need. These federal funds will help this program grow and help more veterans have the career in farming that they want and deserve, and that is why I am urging Secretary Vilsack to select this program for funding.”

“Creating pathways for veterans to start farms or enter agriculture is a priority for the Northeast Beginning Farmer Project and Cornell Cooperative Extension,” said Dr. Anu Rangarajan, Director of the Cornell Small Farm Program. “We are thrilled to have the Senator’s support as we build strong links between existing veteran services and the rich networks that ensure a thriving New York agriculture.”  

In 2009, Cornell successfully instituted the NBFP, a learning network that delivers mentoring, training and program development resources for beginning farmers in the Northeast. More than 80 beginning farmer service organizations participate in their professional development network, improving their own skills and accessing new resources to serve beginning farmers.  

Schumer explained that the 2014 Farm Bill authorized funding for the BFRDP program by $20 million annually, and since VA funds cannot be used to support agricultural training for veterans, BFRDP is now filling the gap. Additionally, the Farm Bill extended USDA’s authority for outreach and technical assistance programs for the socially disadvantaged farmer and ranchers to include veterans. As the NBFP continues to grow, it is getting more and more requests for training from veterans, and this funding would go a long way in providing the agricultural training that veterans need. Specifically NBFP provides training to individuals who train farmers, while also establishing farmer-to-farmer interaction.  Both of these aspects foster peer learning and assist farmers in accessing the high-quality information and practical experience that are essential to starting and maintaining viable farms. Since its inception, the NBFP has directly trained over 1200 beginning farmers with its courses and online resources.

A copy of Senator Schumer’s letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack is included below.

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I am pleased to write in support of Cornell University’s application for funding under the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program.  Such funding will enable Cornell to continue its flourishing Northeast Beginning Farmer Project. 

In 2009, Cornell successfully instituted the NBFP, a learning network that delivers mentoring, training and program development resources for beginning farmers in the Northeast.  The NBFP creates an expanding network of information on two levels: it provides training to individuals who train farmers, while also establishing farmer-to-farmer interaction.  Both of these aspects foster peer learning and assist farmers in accessing the high-quality information and practical experience that are essential to starting and maintaining viable farms. Since its inception, the NBFP has directly trained over 1200 beginning farmers with its courses and online resources. More than 80 beginning farmer service organizations participate in their professional development network, improving their own skills and accessing new resources to serve beginning farmers.  Veterans often encounter unique obstacles when considering entering into farming.  Agriculture is not directly supported by Veterans Affairs – veterans cannot use education funds for most farm training and often cannot use vocational training funds for farm related occupations. In addition, many veterans have unique disabilities (e.g. amputations, PTSD) and training and resources need to include mechanisms to address these issues. Over the last two years, the NBFP has begun receiving an increasing number of requests each month from veterans seeking assistance.

With funding, Cornell University will help bring more veterans into the fold of New York State’s agricultural sector.  Cornell will enhance the resources and training available to military veterans interested in farming by teaming with established Veterans groups to create pathways that link veterans to broad agricultural support. The Cornell Small Farms Program would allow the various stakeholders to engage in critical discussions regarding opportunities for veterans in agriculture and best practices for farms of all sizes.  I applaud Cornell University for its foresight and I sincerely hope its application for funding meets with your approval. 

Thank you for your consideration.  For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Director.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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