Programs & Services
Programs, tools, and events FVC NY offers to farmer veterans across New York.
For veterans of every branch and era, active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military families, whether you’re still thinking about farming, getting through your first season, or growing an established operation.
Cornell Farm Ops
Hands-on agricultural training, workshops, and scholarships for veterans. FVC NY is working to help sponsor course fees.
Homegrown By Heroes
The national farmer-veteran product label. Free FVC membership required, then apply to certify your farm’s products.
Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
Grants of $1,000 to $5,000 from the national Farmer Veteran Coalition for equipment and supplies in your first years of farming. Applications usually open in January.
Trainings & Events
Workshops, field days, webinars, and conferences for farmers and veterans, gathered in one place.
Get Involved
Volunteer, mentor a newer farmer, or help spread the word to veterans who farm.
Free Planning Tools
Work through these on your phone or computer. Your answers stay on your device.
New Veteran Farmer Roadmap
Where to start, who to call in your county, and what to do first.
Open →Get Your USDA Farm Number
A step-by-step checklist for the number most USDA programs and grants ask for.
Open →Business Plan Builder
Build a simple farm plan and budget, then print it or turn it into grant answers.
Open →Grant Finder
Answer four questions and see the grants and cost-share programs that fit you.
Open →Partners We Work With
Organizations that offer loans, insurance, training, and advocacy for New York farmers.
How FVC NY Helps
Most of our work is about connection: linking you to the training, funding, land, and people that can help, and building a community of veteran farmers across New York.
- A county-by-county resource network. Our Resource Library covers all 62 New York counties across nine regions, with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water Conservation District, and USDA offices that serve each one.
- Funding guidance. Plain-language guides to USDA loans, SARE farmer grants, conservation cost-share, and farm tax breaks.
- Statewide directories. Find DEC cooperating foresters, local beekeeping clubs, veteran discounts, and free 3D-printable farm designs.
- Recognition. Chapter News stories that recognize New York farmer veterans, like our recent Fellowship Fund awardees.
- Community. A growing network of volunteers doing outreach in their own counties, so veteran farmers can find each other.
Future Plans
These are the projects we want to take on next. Each one depends on support from donors and sponsors.
Grants for Veteran Farmers
Starting a chapter grant program that helps veteran farmers pay for projects on their own farms.
Farm Ops Scholarships
Covering course fees so more veterans can take Cornell’s Farm Ops training without paying out of pocket.
Swap Shop
A place on our website where members can buy, sell, and trade farm equipment by region, so good gear stays in veterans’ hands.
Farm Share Connections
Matching landowners who want their farms kept in production with veterans who are ready to work the land.
Help make these happen
None of these projects can start without funding. A donation of any size moves them forward, and businesses and organizations that sponsor the chapter are recognized on our website.
