Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee are touting legislation that will help veterans in agriculture. Introduced by Committee Chair Pat Roberts and ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow, the Farmer Veteran Opportunity Act of 2018 makes all new veterans eligible for support from the Department of Agriculture. The Senators say the bill also improves access for farmer veterans across eight existing initiatives to make risk management tools more affordable, expand access to land and capital, and prioritize training for veterans. The legislation expands support to all new veterans who may have existing careers in agriculture.
Currently, USDA’s veterans initiatives are designed to support those who are starting a career in agriculture for the first time. Senators Roberts and Stabenow in a joint statement call the legislation a “common-sense change” that ensures all new veterans can benefit from USDA support, whether they are just starting a career on the farm or looking to expand their operation.