The Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training Program focuses on transitioning military veterans into careers in agriculture. Launched by Marine Sergeant Colin Archipley and his wife and business partner Karen, the program gives veterans the skills they need to get from ‘seed-to-store.’
The program is based on the Archipley’s own experiences turning a neglected avocado orchard into a viable business…
“We are a certified organic, hydroponic farm. And so with hydroponics, we use up to 90% less water and we have double to triple the crop. We grow living basil, and if grown in the ground you’d have seven crop turns a year, hydroponically we have 17.”
Some 40% of U.S. farmers are expected to retire in the next decade; the Archipley’s want veterans to fill some of their boots.
“To be able to redirect that leadership skill into sustainable, organic agriculture we could really take back our food system in America and strengthen every community across the USA.”
Mike Hanes, a Marine who spent his last tour doing combat reconnaissance, is one of their success stories. After meeting the Archipley’s at an Earth Day festival, and taking part in their program, his passion for hot sauce lifted him out of homelessness.
“He graduated in February of 2011 and by December of 2011, his product was on the shelves of Whole Foods. And he just went from 8 stores to 43 a few weeks ago. He is slated to go nationwide this year.”
Archipley hopes to create a new of generation of small business leaders that are empowering vets, protecting the environment, and employing Americans.
Photo, taken on June 30, 2010, courtesy of Flickr.