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Congressman Gonzalez Announces USDA and Texas A&M Partnership to Assist Veterans Seeking Careers in Agriculture

June 12, 2018

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service partnership intended to engage more military veterans in farming and ranching. This program will assist veterans applying for FSA direct farm ownership loans, ultimately leading to advancements of land and capital.

Given that the U.S. Department of Labor reports that 45 percent of armed service members reside in rural America, the program will be highly beneficial for veterans in South Texas looking to start a new chapter.

"I am excited that the USDA and Texas A&M AgriLife are joining forces to aid our nation's veterans with aspirations to begin a career in agriculture," Congressman Gonzalez said. "By supplying hands-on training and financial planning, USDA and Texas A&M AgriLife are giving our veterans the tools they need to launch a new career in agriculture."

Updates now let applicants combine certifications along with their military leadership or management experience to meet eligibility requirements. Accepted applicants will go through a comprehensive, three-step process: an introductory workshop, a business planning curriculum, and a production curriculum, over a 12 to 18-month timespan.

Veterans interested in applying for this program may do so beginning Friday, June 15 to Friday, July 20, 2018 by visiting: http://txagrability.tamu.edu/farm-ranch/