TN AgrAbility is a partner of the Tennessee Beginning Farmer Development Program (TBFOP). The beginning farmer education programs put a special emphasis on military personnel and veterans and farmers with disabilities in partnership with the AgrAbility Project and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of TN. TN ranks eighth in the nation for the number of beginning farmers. The recent census shows that the number of farms INCREASED 2.9%, and the most growth was in farms of 1-49 acres in size. For those who are beginning farmers or who are thinking about farming, there are resources available. Click here.
Farmers markets are in full swing! Remember to look for Homegrown by Heroes labels to support farmer veterans. A new one, Mountain Home Farmers Market, opened at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in April 2019. TNAP connected the VA with FVC of TN and helped spread the word. The mission of the Mountain Home Farmers Market is to encourage and support healthy behaviors and nutrition choices of our veterans and employees. The market will increase access to fresh produce and other agricultural products on campus and will offer a unique opportunity for farmers to sell goods to veterans, their families, and VA team members. This market will also help strengthen the bonds of friendship and support within the local community.
Submitted by Tennessee AgrAbility