The 2025 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Winter Policy Conference, held February 24-26 in the nation’s capital, brought together top agricultural leaders under the theme, United We Thrive. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), I seized this opportunity to highlight the Homegrown By Heroes label and explore strategic partnerships to enhance Veteran-led agricultural businesses.
This annual gathering of State and Commonwealth Secretaries, Commissioners, and Directors of Agriculture serves as a vital platform for discussing the most pressing issues facing the agricultural industry. From supply chain resilience to rural economic development and trade, the conference underscored the importance of collaboration at both the state and federal levels.
As the leading nonprofit supporting military Veterans in agriculture, FVC plays a crucial role in helping servicemen and women transition into farming and agribusiness. The Homegrown By Heroes certification, owned by FVC, distinguishes Veteran-produced products in the marketplace, offering consumers a chance to support those who have served. With growing interest in local and sustainable food sources, the label has gained national recognition, making it a natural fit for co-branding opportunities with state-level marketing and promotion boards.
Strengthening Partnerships for Veteran Farmers
Throughout the conference, I was able to engage with agricultural leaders and explore state-specific initiatives that align with Homegrown By Heroes and MarketMaker. Many state departments of agriculture already oversee robust branding and marketing programs – such as “Kentucky Proud,” “Minnesota Grown,” and “Colorado Proud” – which promote locally produced goods. By integrating Homegrown By Heroes into these well-established platforms, states can further uplift Veteran farmers and enhance consumer trust in locally sourced products.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Homegrown By Heroes Brand
Building on the momentum from this conference, FVC aims to solidify partnerships with state agricultural departments to integrate Homegrown By Heroes into broader marketing campaigns. These collaborations will not only drive economic growth for Farmer Veterans but also provide consumers with more options to support those who have served their country.
As agricultural leaders continue to emphasize resilience and sustainability, the inclusion of Farmer Veterans in these efforts remains essential. The NASDA Winter Policy Conference reinforced that through unity and collaboration, the agricultural community can thrive together.
