Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program

The USDA and NIFA continue to take a leadership role in assisting veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, while also supporting military families in rural America. As military members complete their tours of duty or transition to Veteran status, many return to rural America ready to farm, ranch, and start new businesses. Job and career opportunities can be difficult to locate. Connecting interested military veterans with meaningful employment is key. The AgVets program, under assistance listing 10.334, focuses on military veterans interested in pursuing careers across the food and agricultural sector and equipping them with the necessary skills, training, and experience that leads to meaningful employment opportunities, and in turn, strengthens farm finances and rural economies.

Eligibility Requirements AgVets applicants must be non-profit organizations. A letter stating the non-profit status should be included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV.B.). Institutions of higher education (i.e., universities, community colleges) are not eligible to apply as lead applicants. Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirement. Project partners and collaborators need not meet this eligibility requirement. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the successful completion of the project, subject to NIFA approval. Applications submitted by individuals are not eligible for consideration under any category applicable to AgVets. Applicants with current and/or active AgVets a