Indiana

AgrAbility Veteran Outreach Coordinator Joe Ricker hosted staff members from the Indiana Grown program at his east-central Indiana farm, At Ease Orchard, on November 22. Indiana Grown is a statewide branding initiative to promote Indiana agricultural products that is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Caroline Patrick, Indiana Grown program director, and Brandon Caldwell, marketing and communications manager, were treated to a tour of Joe's orchard and beekeeping operation. Both were able to don beekeeping personal protective equipment and observe the hives. Although it was a cool, crisp day, bright sunlight had the bees active and flying. Ed Candelario, a US Marine veteran and Indiana AgVet currently interning for At Ease Orchard, assisted with the tour and demonstrations.

The group discussed how to better cross-promote the Indiana Grown and Homegrown by Heroes programs. Homegrown by Heroes is a national branding effort for farm products produced by veterans, and is sponsored by the Farmer Veteran Coalition. In addition, the ISDA staff learned about various AgrAbility programs, including Indiana AgVets, and were provided promotional resources to share with their counterparts.

Submitted by Ed Sheldon