Veterans in Agriculture
Now enrolling!
Hands-on experience
Mentorship from veterans
University of Arizona certificate
Hybrid Learning
Some days you’ll be in the field, some days you’ll be online
Build A Network
Meet other veterans and Veteran Service Organizations in agriculture
Make A Difference
Food security is foundational to national security
What is VIA?
Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) is a hands-on training program that includes an in-person internship on local farms and ranches, online learning through The University of Arizona, and workshops from The Savory Institute and The Boulder Crest Foundation. VIA builds a network of support from fellow veterans working in agriculture.
The program includes resouces for: business planning, capital & operations financing, how to optimize agri-tourism, and a marketing assistance network.
Jacob's Story: Cultivating a New Mission
“Even if you don’t have a background in agriculture, Land at Home will provide you the tools that you need to make the first steps…”
What to Expect
VIA recruits are from all branches of service, and have all levels of agricultural experience – from newcomers to experts. VIA helps veterans access a network of support.
VIA helps veterans lead healthy and successful lives while revitalizing America’s food systems, giving back to their communities, and supporting each other along the way.
Hands-on experience
You’ll be paired with a mentor: a military veteran, knowledgeable about the program, who works in sustainable agriculture
A hybrid learning environment: some days you’ll be in the field, some days you’ll be online – you’ll know ahead of time
Long term network of people, resources, and support
Tools for emotional & mental well-being provided by the Boulder Crest Foundation
Business, finance, marketing, and grant funds training with 1:1 sessions tailored to your needs
Housing: At this time, housing is not provided in the Tucson area for the entirety of the program. There may be opportunities to stay at farms or ranches during the program, but this is not guaranteed. We encourage participants to arrange accommodation in the local area during their internship experiences. Please contact us if you have any questions or require assistance.
Enrollment Periods
Veterans In Agriculture offers rolling applications on a quarterly basis. This means there’s always an upcoming squad — typically starting around January (winter), April (spring), July (summer) and October (fall). Host sites sometimes rotate throughout the year, and we work with participants to find a squad that fits their schedule and agricultural interests.
Our Partners
Some of Our Partner Farms and Ranches
FAQs
Extensive opportunities available in Arizona, Southern California, & Central California. Limited opportunities are available nationwide.
No, you can access our online content from any computer with internet access – such as a library or community center.
LAHP will provide a basic safety equipment kit that includes items such as: work gloves, ear protection, eye protection, a water bottle, and a hat. You may use your own items if you prefer.
You will need to pack your own clothing appropriate for working outdoors, and comfortable, closed toed shoes. We recommend bringing your own sunglasses and sunscreen.
All participants will spend 160 hours working at a farm or ranch in an area of agriculture that is compatible with their interests. We are currently expanding our network of partner farms and ranches, so these opportunities will continue to evolve! We are excited to work with you to find an assignment that you are passionate about, so please reach out with specific questions.
If you are a sustainable farmer or rancher who is interested in becoming a host site for Veterans in Agriculture participants, please contact our program team at info@landathomeproject.org
Veterans from all branches of military service with an honorable discharge qualify for the VIA program.
Also, we are a DOD Skillbridge Program partner, so active duty members who are nearing their date of separation are eligible to participate through Skillbridge!
No experience is necessary! The program is built to accommodate beginners and those with agricultural experience. Your assigned Mentor & Course Coordinator will work with you to be sure the program is a good learning experience for you.
Absolutely! The program is built to accommodate beginners and those with agricultural experience. Your assigned Mentor & Course Coordinator will work with you to be sure the program is a good learning experience for you.
The Land At Home Project is focused on sustainable and regenerative agriculture, so the program may offer a new perspective on existing knowledge and experience. Additionally, take a look at the partners on our website for extensive networking opportunities, financial counseling, grant-makers, and face to face business support.
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Science (CALES) developed a curriculum just for veterans in the LAHP courses. The Ag 102 program culminates in a certificate that veterans can use to meet requirements for USDA FSA loans, or in seeking employment with an existing farmer/rancher/beekeeper/vintner.
The program is free to veterans! In addition, veterans in the program will receive a small stipend for their field-work hours to help pay for food, gas, etc.
This depends on your interests. Foundationally, everyone will receive the benefit of Ag102 and the principles of regenerative agriculture from The Savory Institute. Technical skills will be related to your interests, and may include farm-related abilities, greenhouse/controlled environment skills, ranching & animal husbandry, or viticulture. You’ll be developing skills to serve you in your chosen field of agriculture. Your learning will be limited only by your time and motivation.
All program requirements need to be completed within your 12 week cohort. Some of the program will be completed in person on local farms and ranches, and some of the program will be completed on your own schedule online.
Throughout the program, you will complete 160 hours of hands-on internship hours, 45 hours of online learning from the University of Arizona, 8 hours of in-person training from The Savory Institute, 8 hours of training from The Boulder Crest foundation. Additional time will be dedicated to check-ins with your veteran mentor, and you may choose to spend time taking advantage of the various business planning resources available through our program.
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Science (CALES) developed a curriculum just for veterans in the LAHP courses. The Ag 102 program culminates in a certificate that veterans can use to meet requirements for USDA FSA loans, or in seeking employment with an existing farmer/rancher/beekeeper/vintner.
There is no catch! There are no obligations once you complete the program. The only commitment is to yourself; to use what you’ve gained through the program to live the best possible version of your life – however you define that!
Instructors are all experts in the field they are instructing. Some are professors and others have amassed their knowledge through practical experience. One this is true of all instructors: they are highly qualified and passionate about teaching others.
Mentors: every single mentor is a military veteran actively engaged in sustainable agriculture and dedicated to supporting other veterans.
Yes! Some of our graduates will go on to own their own farms or ranches, while others may aspire to work on established agriculture facilities. Some may choose to work in agriculture adjacent industries, like land management, drone operation, or AgriTech! Some people may decide they want to use their new knowledge to nurture a kitchen garden and grow food for themselves. We do not expect every participant to go on to own their own farm or ranch, but we do expect everyone to come out of the program feeling a deeper connection to the land, their community, and themselves.
Yes, absolutely. We have great learning opportunities for many different types of agriculturalists.
We encourage you to fill out an application and reach out to us. If you have concerns or questions, please email or call us so we can talk through them together.
Yes. The University of Arizona certificate is non-credit bearing; however, it is a great way to become familiar with enrollment, course completion, online tools, and processes that lead to success. We also have a network of academic advisors, veteran benefits coordinators, and other veterans in agriculture. No matter your chosen future, we are dedicated to each veteran in our program – past and present.
Reach out to us! We are here to help you find out if our program is the right fit for you! We are constantly striving to improve the services we offer veterans, so the more questions you have for us, the better our program can grow in service to you!
Commitment Hours
- Hands on experience – 160 hours of hands-on experience at an agriculture site that aligns with your personal interest
- One day workshop – Boulder Crest
- One day workshop – Savory Institute
- Weekly squad check-in (Video Call)
- Certificate Program – 45 hours self-paced, on-line learning from The University of Arizona
- Monthly mentor meetings – scheduled directly with your mentor (Video or phone call)