Veterans to Farmers

Veterans to Farmer’s mission got started with a good idea, one we hoped could alleviate two significant challenges with a single solution. The first is veteran mental health & support. Statistics painfully indicated that conventional treatments were not going to solve every veteran’s unique challenges. Often a “round peg in a square hole attempt.” There desperately needed to be more options for healing and post-traumatic growth. 

The second feeding the world and food security. As I write this in the first week of November 2022, we as a species will reach a population of 8 billion people before the close of the month. Again, projections have revealed that the American Farmer is an “endangered species." We think veterans naturally possess the qualities that could contribute to solving some of these challenges.  

Ten years and almost 200 veterans later, our idea has become a cornerstone for every veteran looking for a way to heal in the dirt and serve their community once again. 

Testimonials

I'm grateful for the opportunity I had with VTF. Not only did I meet great people that I hope to remain connected to, I was also enlightened to the challenges facing the nation's fresh food production. Thomas F. (VTF Grad)

Participating in this course gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in a greenhouse environment while working with other veterans. In this program, the hands-on experience combined with the classroom learning environment helped me to gain vital information for writing a business plan and starting my future urban farm, Westside Urban Gardens (to be located in South Los Angeles). Nathen L. (VTF Grad)

This invaluable experience has provided the skills and confidence to tackle a number of indoor and outdoor farming projects.
In addition to the skills obtained...I've had some of the most peaceful moments I've had in the 8 years since I returned from Iraq, standing on the grounds of the farm where the Veterans-to-Farmers course took place.
David I. (VTF Grad)

I would like to extend my gratitude toward Veterans to Farmers for providing me the opportunity to learn from Denver Botanic Gardens and heal with my fellow veterans.
Kelly B. (VTF Grad)