First Meeting May 10 and 11
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A coalition of community organizations and Tennessee institutions is launching a new program to empower veterans who wish to farm. The Tennessee AgVets Opportunities on FarmLand (TN AgVOLs) Program empowers military veterans, including past veterans and service members transitioning to civilian occupations, by equipping them with the tools to succeed in agriculture. Supported by a USDA grant, this collaborative initiative unites Tennessee’s agricultural service providers to offer veterans education, hands-on training, financial resources and mentorships—paving the way for successful farm startups and expansions in rural communities.
Veterans bring unmatched discipline, leadership and resilience to agriculture—a sector vital to rural economic growth and food security. Experts from University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State University will provide program participants with information on sustainable practices, crop and livestock management and innovative production technologies. In particular, the UT Center for Farm Management will provide educational materials to assist veteran farmers with marketing, financial planning and agribusiness development. All program partners will participate in mentorship networks linking veterans with experienced farmers and industry experts and offer financial guidance, including competitive grants and funding opportunities.
“Veterans possess the drive to excel in agriculture, and this program ensures they have the resources to turn their passion into purpose,” said Andy Brown, executive director of the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council (ARCD), the nonprofit leading the initiative. “Their success strengthens our rural communities and food systems.”
TN AgVOLs partners include:
- Program Lead and Fiscal Agent: Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council (ARCD) with TN FarmLink.
- Educational Institutions: University of Tennessee Extension (Center for Farm Management, TN AgrAbility Program) and Tennessee State University’s TN New Farmer Academy.
- Networking Groups: Tennessee Farm Bureau and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Tennessee.
- Government and Military Collaborators: Fort Campbell U.S. Army Garrison and Tennessee Department of Agriculture (Pick TN Products, Homegrown by Heroes branding).
TN AgVOLs has hired Charley Jordan of Jordan Farms in Woodlawn, Tennessee, as an “agvocate” for AgVOLs and as the program’s veteran coordinator. Jordan is a 20+ year flower farmer and horticulture therapy provider at Fort Campbell’s Soldier Recovery Unit. He is an Army veteran with farming experience and a passion for supporting fellow veterans. Jordan says, “Our outreach isn’t just about farming—it’s about rebuilding lives. Veterans gain confidence, camaraderie and a connection to the land that heals and empowers. AgVOLs has allowed me to continue my passion for working with veterans in agriculture. The program provides outstanding opportunities for transitioning service members to pursue their farming dreams. Being part of it is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I am excited about the future of our work.”
With USDA backing and strong partnerships, TN AgVOLs cultivates veteran-led agricultural enterprises, fostering economic resilience and sustainable food systems. Farming is not easy, but veterans thrive in high-demand environments. Agriculture provides purpose for those leaving service yet still wanting to improve their community and country.”
With the right support, veterans grow more than crops—they grow legacies.
The First TN AgVOLS Workshop is scheduled for May 9 and 10 in Clarksville. Participants can gain practical skills and make new connections at this hands-on event. They can also engage with horticulture and livestock experts through live demonstrations and strengthen their agricultural network by collaborating with agricultural leaders and local farmers. Register online today at the UT Center for Farm Mangement TN AgVols Program website. To learn more about the program or mentorship or to host farm and internship opportunities, contact Jordan by email at info@agvols.org.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.