Vermont Veterans’ Home Launches Incubator Farm for Veterans

A new initiative at the Bennington Veterans’ Home aims to empower veterans through agriculture by establishing a veteran-led incubator farm on 12 acres of the property. The project is set to begin its search for a farm manager to lead this innovative endeavor, which will provide veterans with hands-on training, market connections, and support to thrive in farming.

The initiative, spearheaded by Michael Fernandez, the district manager of the Bennington County Conservation District, has already made strides, including the removal of invasive plants and the establishment of a small composting operation. During a recent tour of the site, Fernandez highlighted the potential of the farm, which has received $110,000 in federal funding facilitated by U.S. Senator Peter Welch for agriculture-related projects.

The incubator farm is starting small, with plans to hire a part-time farm manager and launch its first cohort of veteran farmers in spring 2024. The composting operation will continue through the winter, serving as a year-round income source for the cooperative. Fernandez emphasized that the farm’s aim is to support local food systems rather than compete in broader markets, focusing instead on providing food and services to other farmers and institutions.

Community and Educational Benefits

Despite facing setbacks due to a funding freeze that resulted in the loss of the Climate Corps workforce, Fernandez remains optimistic. “We’re starting to cook with gas again,” he stated, referencing a timely donation from Suburban Propane that aided in building compost bins. The project has yet to utilize any of the federally allocated funds, which Fernandez explained can quickly diminish when building a farm from the ground up.

The farm’s layout includes three fields, each designed to fulfill specific agricultural functions. The first field, offering a view of the Bennington Monument, will focus on growing annual crops with the hope of installing high tunnels to extend the growing season and protect against disease. “This field will largely be covered by structures,” Fernandez noted, outlining plans for warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers.

The second field, currently hosting the composting operation, is set to feature air pruning beds, which are crucial for the farm’s agroforestry plan. “These beds prevent root-binding that can kill trees,” Fernandez explained, highlighting the donation of these beds by Yellow Bud Farm in Massachusetts.

The third field, located near the Walloomsac River, remains under consideration for future use. Shannon Barsotti, the Bennington Community Development Director, expressed excitement about the project’s educational potential. Plans include engaging local schools and the community, aiming to create a living laboratory focused on sustainable agricultural practices.

Therapeutic and Economic Impact on Veterans

An essential aspect of the incubator farm is its potential to enhance the mental and physical well-being of veterans. Research has shown that working in nature can significantly benefit individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD. Barsotti noted, “Even if veterans aren’t working on the farm, simply being part of the environment can aid in their healing process.”

The support for this project reflects the strategic goals of the Veterans’ Home, as articulated by Melissa A. Jackson, Chief Executive Officer. In her correspondence, she emphasized the therapeutic and economic benefits of farming for veterans, stating, “Working the land can be a powerful tool for healing.”

The incubator farm marks a return to the Veterans’ Home’s historical roots, as it originally operated as a working farm for Civil War veterans when it opened in 1884. By leasing the land at no cost, the Veterans’ Home aims to expand its support and services for veterans beyond just long-term care, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and community.

As plans for the incubator farm progress, stakeholders look forward to witnessing its growth, both literally and figuratively, as it cultivates hope and opportunities for veterans in the region.