CARBONDALE, IL – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and the Illinois AgrAbility today announced a partnership to provide job opportunities for Illinois veterans. Farm Corps will pair furloughed or unemployed veterans with agricultural producers who have an immediate need for on-the-farm labor.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a number of problems for producers across my district, including a shortage of on-the-farm labor,” said Bost. “COVID-19 has also caused many veterans to be furloughed because of businesses being shuttered. Not only will Farm Corps provide jobs for Illinois veterans, but it will also help fill the need for on-the-farm labor so that Illinois farmers can continue their important job of feeding our nation during this pandemic. I’m proud to have worked with our public and private partners to get this program off the ground for both our veterans and agricultural producers.”
“Labor is a continual need for agriculture,” said Raghela Scavuzzo, Associate Director of Food Systems Development at the Illinois Farm Bureau. “At this time, as farms work to keep employees safe, the demand is greater than ever. The Farm Corps program serves dual roles by allowing farms to post positions and hopefully identify workers and connect veterans and servicemen that are furloughed with agriculture. We feel this program could be of great assistance to our state and are excited to assist.”
“The primary mission for Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois is to connect our veterans with agriculture,” said Caynan Sherwood, President of Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois. “We believe Farm Corps is a huge opportunity. This is one step closer to assist veterans in agriculture. Our role is to support servicemen and women and agriculture. We are proud to host this database on our website.”
Farm Corps is supported by the Office of Representative Bost (IL-12), Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois AgrAbility, Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois and Illinois Specialty Growers Association.
To learn more about the partnership, submit a work opportunity, or see job postings, click here.
Illinois Homegrown By Heroes helps veterans and service members reach consumers and feed the nation through farming. This state branding program was established to denote farm products grown and raised by military veterans or active duty service members via a specialized logo.
The program gives Illinois farmers who have served or are currently serving in any branch of the United States Military the ability to use the specialized Illinois Homegrown By Heroes logo on their product packaging, labels, and marketing materials.
The brand gives farmer veterans an innovative way to show the public that their products represent the labors of a hardworking veteran or service member. The program also provides consumers with a direct and measurable way to “thank a veteran or current soldier for their service” by purchasing their products.
Homegrown By Heroes, a label of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, is the official farmer-veteran branding program of America. The Farmer Veteran Coalition seeks to mobilize veterans to feed America by cultivating a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and to develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities.
The brand is supported nationally by numerous agriculture and food industry leaders such as the USDA, Farm Credit Services of America, and Farm Bureau.
In Illinois, becoming certified with “Homegrown by Heroes” is a two-step process. Visit www.illinoisfarmerveterans.org for more information.
The Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois is the 10th chapter of a national organization that cultivates a new generation of farmers and food leaders and develops viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities.
Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is celebrating the opportunities and resources it will bring to those who have served our country.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois. It has been over five years of hard work from individuals and organizations across the state,” said Raghela Scavuzzo, Associate Director of Food Systems Development, IFB.
“This is a huge opportunity to help veterans, agriculture and rural communities.”
A press conference was held to formally launch the program on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. It took place in the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago during the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.
National Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) founder Michael O’Gorman presented during the program, explaining the connection between state coalitions and the national organization.
“Veterans possess unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. Agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits to our veterans,” said O’Gorman.
“The vision for state coalitions is to connect the talent and experience state organizations have in leadership skills and agricultural expertise with farmer veterans whom the FVC has identified as potentially needing such assistance.”
The inauguration of the Illinois Farmer Veteran Coalition is an important addition to Illinois Farm Bureau’s collaborative efforts to serve military veterans desiring to pursue food, farming and agricultural careers.
In 2015, Illinois Farm Bureau partnered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and other agencies across the state to launch the Homegrown By Heroes program. Homegrown By Heroes provides resources in a number of areas, including:
Farmer training
Farmers’ markets opportunities and partnerships
Assisting veterans in developing value-added products
Fostering relationships with retailers and food service organizations
Making resources available for veterans wishing to raise livestock & commodity crops
Developing mentorships between experienced farmers and veterans
Identifying community land access
“It is an honor to be the 10th state chapter in the country. We cannot wait to begin implementing new programs, gaining membership, developing resources and strengthening the Homegrown by Heroes program,” said Scavuzzo.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and we look forward to helping them advance their careers in any way we can.”
Additional information on the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois can be found here.
The Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois is a proud Chapter of the National Farmer Veteran Coalition (FarmVetCo.org).
