DAVIS, CA – Farmer Veteran Coalition has announced that the State of Maine has officially partnered with the Homegrown By Heroes (HBH) program.
Farmer Veteran Coalition Chief Operations Officer Jason Foscolo joined Walter Whitcomb, Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Maine in a ceremony to announce the partnership. The “Homegrown By Heroes – Maine partnership will work to promote agricultural products grown and/or produced by Maine farmer veterans. The ceremony took place at Ireland Hill Farms in Swanville, ME with numerous farmer veterans and government officials in attendance.
The Homegrown By Heroes (HBH) program is a marketing initiative created to help veterans who have gone into agriculture to promote and market their farm products. The label has gained national recognition, and provides an easily recognizable means for consumers to identify products that have been grown and produced by US military veterans. Consumers can show their support by shopping for products bearing the HBH label.
Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted the importance of creating programs for returning veterans to farm. “The Ireland Hill farm is a great example. Ireland family support for the Maine Farmer Veteran Coalition and the national "Homegrown By Heroes" label will encourage other veterans to become Maine farmers,” said Whitcomb. “On behalf of Governor LePage and the First Lady, I thank the Irelands and wish their new farm great success.”
“We are honored to partner with the State of Maine in this exceptional program to benefit farmer veterans in their endeavors in agriculture,” said Michael O’Gorman, Founder and Executive Director of Farmer Veteran Coalition. “The Homegrown By Heroes program is uniquely positioned to create opportunities for consumers to show their support for American veterans, and we are happy to be able to bring this opportunity to farmer veterans in Maine.”
Maine is the fifth state to officially partner with the Homegrown By Heroes program joining Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Arkansas. Several more states are slated to enter into formal agreements, also joining the initiative.
Established by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in 2013, the Homegrown By Heroes program is managed on a national scale through Farmer Veteran Coalition, and is open to any veteran or active duty service member who meets program requirements. To learn more about the program, visit www.farmvetco.org/homegrownbyheroes.
About Homegrown By Heroes
Homegrown By Heroes is a product labeling program that identifies, promotes, and supports agricultural products grown and produced by U.S. veterans and those still serving in the U.S. military. The program was founded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and administered nationally by Farmer Veteran Coalition.
About Farmer Veteran Coalition
The mission of Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is mobilizing veterans to feed America. FVC works to develop a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and expand viable employment and career opportunities through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. Through mentorship, peer support, and career counseling, FVC supports veterans returning to or beginning careers in the food and farming industry. For more information, visit www.farmvetco.org
About Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is charged with developing the state’s various land-based, natural resources including Maine agriculture, forests, outdoor recreation and public access. They support the creation of new jobs and businesses, improving and supporting existing land-based industries and streamlining regulations. Additionally, the agency assists beginning farmers, halts forest fires, maps the ocean floor, and keeps public parks and land pristine and accessible.
Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition
