Over the last eight years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of veterans turning to agriculture for their post-service career. While many choose farming and ranching, others seek employment in the agriculture industry as well as federal service. The U.S. Department of Agriculture employs more than 11,000 veterans, and we’re looking to increase that number through a new apprenticeship program.
The program, which is being launched this week by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in partnership with the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a registered national apprenticeship that will grow a pool of talent for USDA. Although it is open to anyone interested in a career in agriculture, we are especially proud that it offers America’s veterans one more way to join our ranks.