CEFS Newsletter: Opportunities in Agriculture for Military Veterans

On Veterans Day, we're excited to announce that the application period for Boots on the Ground: North Carolina’s Veteran Farmer Registered Apprenticeship is now open! We're NOW RECRUITING host farms, veteran farmer mentors, and veteran apprentices for 2023.

Apply to Boots on the Ground

CEFS is honored to be working with military veterans and would also like to thank our other military-affiliated apprentices, farm hosts, staff, and supporters.

Thank you for your service to our country.

As North Carolina’s first registered agricultural apprenticeship program for military veterans, this apprenticeship aims to increase the pool of trained agricultural workers for management and entrepreneurial positions at farming operations in North Carolina.

Read along to learn more about the program as well as other CEFS apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

BOOTS ON THE GROUND: NC VETERAN FARMER REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP

Agricultural jobs offer a viable career path for returning service members. Registered with ApprenticeshipNC, the state apprenticeship coordinating body, the Boots on the Ground apprenticeship includes both hands-on job training and classroom-based training. This credential will demonstrate to future employers nationwide that apprentices are fully qualified and highlight which skills they have mastered.

Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship

Watch a short video to hear reflections from 2022 apprentices and host farms.

Learn more here.

NC State Extension Features "Boots on the Ground"

Check out this article from NC State Extension to hear from Boots on the Ground participants. NC State Extension agents are often involved in the program instruction, introducing apprentices to farmers, conducting workshops, and providing supplemental education.

HAVE QUESTIONS? ATTEND AN UPCOMING INTEREST SESSION!

Virtual Interest Sessions for CEFS Registered Apprenticeships (for Farmers and Apprentices)

Come learn about our two registered apprenticeship programs with new cohorts beginning in early 2023. Between now and January, we will be holding interest sessions for farmers and apprentices. Learn more and register here.

OTHER CEFS APPRENTICESHIPS & INTERNSHIPS

CEFS continues to inspire new agricultural and food system career pathways, with the goal of increasing the pool and diversity of trained new food system leaders through student internships, apprenticeships for community members, and graduate fellowships. CEFS opportunities support new career pathways for students, community members, military veterans, and others.

What program works best for you?

CEFS BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: DAVON GOODWIN

Davon Goodwin Served His Country and Now His Community

Davon Goodwin never planned to become a farmer, but his aspirations changed after he was injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan. Today, Mr. Goodwin runs Off the Land (OTL) Farm in Laurinburg, NC, is a CEFS Board member, and is involved in many other efforts as an advocate for young farmers, farmers of color, first generation farmers, and those farming in rural communities.

CEFS is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Donate to Support CEFS Work

All funds raised through CEFS’ fundraising initiatives are collected and managed by The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID# 56-6049304). You will receive a receipt for your donation.