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Farming Program Seeks to Employ and Empower U.S. Veterans

Many local programs and organizations are springing up across the nation to help educate, train, and employ U.S. veterans. Archi’s Acres, near the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, is an organic farm just outside Escondido, CA that is helping teach soldiers about organic and sustainable farming as well as offering a therapeutic outlet.

The 3-acre former avocado farm is run by Colin Archipley, a veteran of the Iraq war, and his wife Karen. Currently the farm uses hydroponic growing methods to produce lettuce, kale, tomatoes, basil, citrus fruits, and of course, the farm’s original crop of avocadoes.

Partnerships with Mira Costa Community College led the Archipleys to create the Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training program (VSAT). The VSAT program has already graduated over 100 veterans who are trained to either become successful sustainable farmers or run a food-centered business. The Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust helps offset the cost of the course with a $100,000 grant.

Veterans may face challenges returning to the civilian workforce, especially if they suffered a combat-related injury or developed a disabling condition due to their service. Disabled veterans have many options to help reintroduce them to civilian life and programs like these are helping many achieve a healthy and prosperous life after service.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.