HARLINGEN — Whether their goal is to pick up a new hobby or make a small business, an upcoming event aims to help veterans that are interested in learning about agriculture.
HOPE for Small Farming Sustainability, along with United States Department of Agriculture representatives, will host a LRGV Veterans-In-AG Farm event Sunday, Oct. 20, which will be held at HOPE for Small Farming Sustainability located at 19833 Morris Road in Harlingen.
USDA Military and Veterans Agriculture Liaison, Bill Ashton, a U.S. Navy retiree, will be the guest speaker of the event.
Additionally, there will be representatives from the USDA Farm Service Agency loan department and from the Natural Resources Conservation Service that will talk about different funding programs available for veterans in agriculture.
The RSVP event is free and lunch will be provided.
So far, about 55 people have registered.
Event organizers said their goal is to reach about 100 registrants.
“We hope attendees have fun and get to see what we’re doing on our farm,” said Diana Padilla, a co-owner and founder of HOPE for Small Farming Sustainability. “If they’re interested, they can ask us for help to get their farm started.”
According to Padilla, the event is a great learning opportunity for veterans.
“Working with nature is really good for people’s health and it’s peaceful work.” she explained. “It’s also a good opportunity for veterans to learn how to start a business in agriculture and have somewhere to sell their products.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT — LRGV Veterans-In-AG Farm Event
WHEN — Sunday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE — HOPE for Small Farming Sustainability, 19833 Morris Road, Harlingen
COST — Free
To reserve a spot at the event, text HOPE for Small Farming Sustainability at (956) 412-4916.
