Farmer Veteran Coalition New Hampshire: How to Get Help
The Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is a national nonprofit that helps veterans build careers in agriculture, but it does not currently operate a formal New Hampshire state chapter. New Hampshire veterans can still join FVC nationally, apply for the Fellowship Fund, use the Homegrown by Heroes label, and connect with New Hampshire–specific programs like Vouchers for Veterans, UNH Cooperative Extension, and USDA grants reserved for veteran farmers.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), national nonprofit founded in 2007 |
| New Hampshire Chapter Status | No formal state chapter currently operating; exploratory meetings occurred in 2016 and 2021 |
| Who Qualifies | Veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and beginning farmers with a service connection |
| Core FVC Programs | Fellowship Fund grants, Homegrown by Heroes certification, resource navigation |
| New Hampshire–Specific Programs | Vouchers for Veterans, UNH Extension New Farmer School, USDA Value-Added Producer Grant priority |
| Application | FVC membership and Fellowship Fund applications are online at farmvetco.org |
| Official Agencies | FVC (nonprofit), USDA, VA, UNH Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture |
| Updated For | 2026 publication year |
Does the Farmer Veteran Coalition Have a New Hampshire Chapter?
No. The Farmer Veteran Coalition does not currently list a New Hampshire state chapter on its national chapter map. Veterans in New Hampshire interact with FVC as members of the national organization rather than through a state-level chapter structure.
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The idea of a New Hampshire chapter has been explored more than once. In 2016, a group began meeting to discuss forming a New Hampshire chapter, and a 2021 report noted that a group was again meeting to explore the idea. Those efforts have not resulted in a formally recognized FVC state chapter listed on the national website.
This does not mean New Hampshire veterans are outside FVC’s reach. FVC operates nationally and works with veterans in all 50 states. New Hampshire farmers have received FVC’s Fellowship Fund awards, and New Hampshire farms have adopted the Homegrown by Heroes label with measurable consumer response. The relationship is national, even without a state chapter.
What New Hampshire veterans should do instead of waiting for a chapter
Join FVC nationally at farmvetco.org. Membership is open to veterans interested in agriculture, and FVC’s resource library and veteran stories are available regardless of chapter status.
Apply for the Fellowship Fund if you are in the early years of building a farm business.
Use Homegrown by Heroes to certify your farm products as veteran-produced.
Plug into New Hampshire–specific programs described below, which operate independently of FVC’s chapter structure.
What Is the Farmer Veteran Coalition?
The Farmer Veteran Coalition is a national nonprofit founded in 2007 with the mission of mobilizing veterans to feed America. It connects military veterans to careers in agriculture through direct financial assistance, marketing certification, and a national network of farmers, ranchers, and food leaders.
FVC’s origin is tied directly to New Hampshire research. In November 2006, William O’Hare and Bill Bishop of the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey Institute published a report showing that rural families were paying a disproportionately high price for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That research helped establish that large numbers of service members came from rural communities, which helped shape FVC’s focus on agriculture as a post-service pathway.
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FVC became a project of Community Partners of Los Angeles in 2009 and later received funding from the Iraq + Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund. It now describes itself as cultivating “a new generation of farmers, food leaders” and developing “viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities.”
Why FVC matters for veterans
Farming offers structured, purpose-driven work that can translate military discipline, logistics, and problem-solving into a civilian career. FVC’s role is to reduce the barriers—capital, equipment, marketing credibility, and knowledge—that make beginning farming difficult, especially for first-generation farmers with no agricultural background.
Who Qualifies for FVC Support?
FVC serves veterans of all branches, all eras, and all ages who are interested in agriculture—whether as a full-time career, a part-time operation, a retirement occupation, or a meaningful avocation. Active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members are generally eligible for FVC membership and many of its programs.
For the Homegrown by Heroes label, the eligibility standard is more specific: the veteran must have served or be currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military and must maintain at least 50% veteran ownership and operation of the food-producing business. Honorably discharged veterans and current service members qualify.
For the Fellowship Fund, FVC targets veterans in the early years of building an agricultural business. The fund awards equipment and small grants—typically in the $1,000 range—to help veteran farmers purchase specific items that make the largest operational impact.
Comparison: FVC Programs and Who They Serve
| FVC Program | Who Qualifies | What It Provides | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Membership | Veterans, active duty, Guard, Reserve interested in agriculture | Resource library, veteran stories, network access | Online at farmvetco.org |
| Fellowship Fund | Veterans in early years of an agricultural business | Equipment, small grants around $1,000 | Online application through FVC |
| Homegrown by Heroes | Veterans with 50%+ ownership of a food-producing business | Veteran-produced marketing label | Certification through FVC |
| Geared to Give (with Kubota) | Selected veteran farmers | Equipment, including tractors | Nomination or application through FVC |
FVC Fellowship Fund: What It Covers and How to Apply
The Fellowship Fund is FVC’s direct financial assistance program for veteran farmers in the early stages of building an agricultural business. It provides equipment and small grants—often around $1,000—to help purchase specific items that will make the largest impact on the operation.
New Hampshire veterans have received this support. An Air Force veteran from New Hampshire who operates AOR Farmstead was awarded two Fellowship Fund gift cards and described them as “critical funding right when we needed it most.” FVC’s 2018 Fellowship Fund recipient list also included New Hampshire veterans, including a Marine and an Air Force veteran.
How to apply for the FVC Fellowship Fund
Confirm your eligibility. You should be a veteran in the early years of an agricultural business.
Identify the specific item your operation needs most—equipment, infrastructure, or a supply that directly improves production or sales.
Apply through FVC’s online application when the funding cycle opens.
Document your farm business. A clear description of your operation and the impact of the requested item strengthens the application.
The Fellowship Fund is competitive and not guaranteed. FVC also partners with Tractor Supply Company and Kubota on equipment and gift card programs for selected recipients.
Homegrown by Heroes in New Hampshire
Homegrown by Heroes (HBH) is the official farmer veteran branding program of America, administered nationally by FVC. It certifies farmers, ranchers, and fishermen of all military eras to sell products as veteran-grown and veteran-produced.
The label matters because consumers respond to it. A New Hampshire Air Force veteran who runs AOR Farmstead reported that “multiple customers” chose the farm’s products specifically because of the veteran branding: “Here in New Hampshire, that label has been a major asset.” Winsome Farm Organics in Piermont was reported as the first New Hampshire farm to achieve the certification.
HBH eligibility requirements
The veteran must have served or be currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military.
The veteran must maintain at least 50% ownership of the food-producing business.
The veteran must maintain at least 50% operation of the business.
Honorable discharge is required for veterans no longer serving.
How to get HBH certified
Review the eligibility requirements on FVC’s Homegrown by Heroes page.
Submit the certification application through FVC.
Use the HBH logo on packaging, labels, and marketing materials once approved.
Keep documentation of veteran ownership and operation available for verification.
New Hampshire–Specific Veteran Farmer Programs
New Hampshire has several programs that directly support veterans in agriculture, independent of FVC’s national structure. These are often the most practical resources for New Hampshire veterans because they operate at the state and community level.
Vouchers for Veterans
Vouchers for Veterans provides New Hampshire and Maine veterans and active duty service members with $20 in weekly vouchers to buy fresh, locally produced food at participating farmers markets.** The program operates **seven months of the year**—in September and from November through April—and served more than **2,100 veterans and active duty members** through **18 farmers market locations** in 2025, distributing nearly **$200,000 in food vouchers.
The program does two things at once: it improves veterans’ access to fresh food and directs revenue to local farmers. It also partners with the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to connect veterans with benefits information at market locations.
What veterans should do next: Check the Vouchers for Veterans website for participating market locations and distribution schedules during the operating months.
Farm310 and Veteran-Led Agricultural Training
Farm310 in Allenstown is a veteran-owned farm that has become a hub for agricultural education and job training in southern New Hampshire. Founder Gregory Wortman, a U.S. Army veteran, built the farm after his service and partners with veteran groups to “promote agricultural education and job training, planting seeds of purpose and opportunity across southern New Hampshire.”
Farm310 was recognized as the SBA’s 2026 New Hampshire and New England Home-Based Business of the Year, and Wortman used SBA resources including Boots to Business and the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of New England to build the operation.
What veterans should do next: If you are exploring farming in southern New Hampshire, connect with Farm310 and ask about education and training opportunities for veteran beginning farmers.
UNH Cooperative Extension: New Farmer School and Veteran Training
UNH Cooperative Extension offers beginning farmer training that is open to veterans, including a 16-week New Farmer School covering farm business planning, crop and livestock production, soil evaluation, food safety, marketing, infrastructure, and financial recordkeeping.
UNH Extension has also been a partner in Armed to Farm, a national NCAT program that brought sustainable agriculture training to Troy, New Hampshire, with instructors from NCAT and UNH Cooperative Extension. A regional project report also lists UNH Cooperative Extension as a partner in beginning farmer training for military veterans in the Northeast, alongside FVC of Vermont and United Farmers of Maine.
What veterans should do next: Contact UNH Cooperative Extension about New Farmer School registration and ask specifically about veteran-specific training cohorts or scholarships.
USDA Programs for New Hampshire Veteran Farmers
The USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program gives priority consideration to veteran farmers and reserves 10% of total funds for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers.
The VAPG helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities—processing, packaging, marketing, and direct sales—that increase producer income. Planning grants are available up to $50,000**, and working capital grants up to **$200,000, with a 1:1 match requirement. Approximately $25 million is available nationally.
New Hampshire also has a track record of directing conservation and climate resilience funding to veteran farmers. In the 2026 NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant round, 26 of the awarded farms identified with the USDA definition of historically underserved, including veteran farmers.
Comparison: USDA and State Programs Relevant to NH Veteran Farmers
| Program | What It Provides | Veteran Priority | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Value-Added Producer Grant | Planning up to $50K; working capital up to $200K | Yes—priority consideration; 10% of funds reserved for veteran/beginning farmers | Through USDA Rural Development; state contact recommended |
| NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant | Farm-level climate resilience funding | Veteran farmers eligible under historically underserved definition | Through New Hampshire’s 10 conservation districts |
| SBA Boots to Business Reboot for Farmers & Ranchers | Entrepreneurship training for agriculture-based businesses | Open to veterans, service members, military spouses | Through SBA and VBOC New England |
| UNH Extension New Farmer School | 16-week practical farm business training | Open to beginning farmers, including veterans | Through UNH Cooperative Extension |
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Agriculture
VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program can support agriculture as a employment goal for veterans with service-connected disabilities, but it does not operate a dedicated New Hampshire farm program. VR&E provides individualized rehabilitation services, including training and equipment, when agriculture is the veteran’s identified vocational goal.
New Hampshire’s Vocational Rehabilitation state agency also provides services to individuals with disabilities, including funding for equipment, training, and other employment-related expenses. The National AgrAbility Project lists New Hampshire vocational rehabilitation as a resource for people with disabilities involved in agriculture.
What veterans should do next: If you have a service-connected disability and want to farm as a career, contact VR&E through the Manchester VA Medical Center or the White River Junction VA Medical Center and ask whether an agriculture-based rehabilitation plan is appropriate for your case.
Common Mistakes New Hampshire Veteran Farmers Make
Assuming there is a New Hampshire FVC chapter. There is not. Join FVC nationally and use New Hampshire–specific programs for local support.
Overlooking Vouchers for Veterans. This program directly benefits veterans and local farmers and operates for seven months of the year.
Waiting to apply for the Fellowship Fund. It is designed for the early years of a farm business; applying after the operation is established reduces the fit.
Not using Homegrown by Heroes. New Hampshire consumers respond to the veteran label, and certification is available to farms with 50% veteran ownership and operation.
Ignoring USDA’s veteran priority. The VAPG reserves 10% of funds for beginning and veteran farmers; applying without identifying veteran status can leave priority consideration on the table.
Trying to farm without business training. UNH Extension’s New Farmer School and SBA’s Boots to Business are designed to prevent common financial and planning mistakes.
Latest Rule Changes and Program Updates
The most significant recent change affecting veteran farmers is the continued expansion of veteran priority within USDA programs and the growth of New Hampshire’s Vouchers for Veterans program. The VAPG’s 10% reservation for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers remains a standing priority in the 2026 funding cycle.
Vouchers for Veterans has expanded to 18 market locations and is on track to distribute more than $220,000 in 2026. New Hampshire’s conservation districts have also continued to direct climate resilience funding to veteran farmers, with veteran farms included among awardees in both 2025 and 2026 rounds.
FVC’s national programs continue to operate without a New Hampshire state chapter, but New Hampshire veterans remain eligible for national Fellowship Fund awards and Homegrown by Heroes certification.
Common Questions
Is there a Farmer Veteran Coalition chapter in New Hampshire?
No. FVC does not currently list a formal New Hampshire state chapter. Groups explored forming a chapter in 2016 and 2021, but a recognized state chapter is not active. New Hampshire veterans can still join FVC nationally, apply for the Fellowship Fund, and use Homegrown by Heroes. Local support comes from Vouchers for Veterans, UNH Extension, and USDA programs.
Can New Hampshire veterans still get FVC grants without a state chapter?
Yes. FVC’s Fellowship Fund is a national program open to eligible veterans in all states. New Hampshire veterans have received Fellowship Fund awards, including at AOR Farmstead in New Hampshire. Apply through FVC’s national application process; a state chapter is not required.
What is Homegrown by Heroes, and can New Hampshire farms use it?
Homegrown by Heroes is FVC’s national certification that identifies products as veteran-produced. New Hampshire farms can use it if the veteran maintains at least 50% ownership and 50% operation of the food-producing business. Winsome Farm Organics in Piermont was reported as the first New Hampshire farm certified, and other New Hampshire farms have used the label successfully.
What is Vouchers for Veterans in New Hampshire?
Vouchers for Veterans gives New Hampshire and Maine veterans and active duty members $20 in weekly vouchers to buy fresh local food at participating farmers markets. It operates in September and November through April, served over 2,100 veterans in 2025, and distributes funds directly to local farmers. It is not an FVC program.
How do I apply for the FVC Fellowship Fund?
Apply through FVC’s national online application when the funding cycle opens. You should be a veteran in the early years of an agricultural business and identify a specific item—equipment, infrastructure, or supply—that will have the largest impact on your operation. Awards are typically in the $1,000 range.
Does UNH have programs for veteran farmers?
Yes. UNH Cooperative Extension offers a 16-week New Farmer School open to beginning farmers, including veterans, covering business planning, production, marketing, and recordkeeping. UNH Extension has also partnered on Armed to Farm training in New Hampshire and regional veteran beginning farmer training projects.
What USDA grants prioritize veteran farmers in New Hampshire?
The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant gives priority consideration to veteran farmers and reserves 10% of total funds for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Planning grants are up to $50,000, and working capital grants are up to $200,000, with a 1:1 match. Contact USDA Rural Development’s New Hampshire or Vermont office before applying.
Can VA vocational rehabilitation pay for farming training?
VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program can support agriculture as a vocational goal for veterans with service-connected disabilities, including training and equipment, when agriculture is part of an approved rehabilitation plan. Contact VR&E through the Manchester or White River Junction VA Medical Center to discuss eligibility.
Does New Hampshire have a veteran farmer training program?
New Hampshire has several. UNH Extension’s New Farmer School is open to veterans. Farm310 in Allenstown is a veteran-led farm that promotes agricultural education and job training. SBA’s Boots to Business Reboot for Farmers and Ranchers provides entrepreneurship training for agriculture-based business ownership.
Is Farm310 part of the Farmer Veteran Coalition?
No. Farm310 is an independent veteran-owned farm in Allenstown, New Hampshire, founded by Army veteran Gregory Wortman. It is not an FVC chapter, but it serves as a veteran-led hub for agricultural education and training in southern New Hampshire. It was recognized as the SBA’s 2026 New Hampshire and New England Home-Based Business of the Year.
Key Takeaways
FVC does not have a formal New Hampshire state chapter. Veterans should engage FVC nationally rather than waiting for a state chapter.
FVC’s Fellowship Fund and Homegrown by Heroes are national programs available to eligible New Hampshire veterans and farms.
New Hampshire has its own veteran farmer ecosystem: Vouchers for Veterans, Farm310, UNH Extension’s New Farmer School, and USDA veteran-priority grants.
Vouchers for Veterans serves over 2,100 veterans and directs nearly $200,000 to local farmers through weekly $20 vouchers.
Homegrown by Heroes requires 50% veteran ownership and 50% veteran operation of the food-producing business.
USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant reserves 10% of funds for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers.
UNH Extension offers a 16-week New Farmer School open to beginning farmers, including veterans.
VA VR&E can support agriculture as a vocational goal for veterans with service-connected disabilities, but it is not a dedicated farm program.
Official Resources
Farmer Veteran Coalition: https://farmvetco.org/
FVC Fellowship Fund: https://farmvetco.org/fellowship-fund/
Homegrown by Heroes: https://farmvetco.org/homegrown-by-heroes/
Vouchers for Veterans: https://www.vouchersforveterans.org/
UNH Cooperative Extension Agriculture & Gardens: https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens
USDA Rural Development, Value-Added Producer Grants: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants-6
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment: https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/
SBA Boots to Business: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture: https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/
National AgrAbility Project, New Hampshire: https://www.agrability.org/
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