Homegrown by Heroes created a distinctive label for products that were locally grown or raised by veterans.
James Comer, the Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, launched the program with the initiative to help veterans who served in the military, with the branding power for their locally grown and raised products. As a result, Homegrown by Heroes was born. This program was launched in January 2013, thanks to a US$250,000 commitment grant by the farm credit system of the United States.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that intention is becoming a reality with the help of our generous partners. This is something we in agriculture can do to show our respect and appreciation for our military veteran farmers across the United States,” the Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Comer said.
This gives the community an opportunity to support their veterans in more then one way. “The veterans we work with have served their country twice — once by defending it, and now by feeding it,” said Michael O’Gorman, executive director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition.
Kentucky was the first state where the program was launched, but the goal is to have a nationwide participation. “From the day we started Homegrown by Heroes, it was my intention to take it national so it can benefit veterans from every state,” Commissioner Comer said.
