A Butler nonprofit is one of two veterans’ service organizations designated by Governor Tom Wolf to distribute grants of up to $10,000 to farmer-veterans to assist with agricultural business needs.

Through the PA Farm Bill, the state Department of Agriculture awarded a total of $200,000 between Westmoreland County nonprofit Greenforge, Inc and Community Partnership, a community action agency based in Butler County, to be distributed for “various agricultural business needs ranging from food safety and biosecurity planning to equipment, marketing, or working capital,” according to a statement from Governor Wolf.

“Pennsylvania’s veterans spent their military career protecting and serving others. When returning to civilian life, they bring critical skillsets and a commitment to service with them,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding in a statement. “We have worked hard to ensure that everyone who wants to be a part of agriculture has the opportunity to contribute without barriers. These grants are a down payment on the success of farmer-veterans in the industry, for the success of Pennsylvania.”

The state of Pennsylvania is home to more than 7,000 military veterans identified as agricultural producers.

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