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.