Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said this week that recruiting military veterans and
youth into farming should be a consideration as developments towards the next
Farm Bill continue.
In speaking on the needs of the agriculture industry, Vilsack commented on the
rising average age of farmers, and the need to encourage the participation of
youth in agriculture. While highlighting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's program
'Hiring our Heroes', also called for the recruiting of veterans in agriculture.
Not only are there more than 5 million veterans living in rural areas, but
veterans will also benefit from participation in agriculture as a way to
transition back into society and post-military life.
As a broad effort to match veterans with training and job openings in a wide
range of fields, the 'Hiring our Heroes' program incorporates efforts to
include opportunities in agriculture, after the 2014 Farm Bill mandated the
implementation of programs and actions related to veteran outreach.
It is important, says Vilsack, that we allow veterans and young people to play
a significant role in the future of agriculture in this country.