First-of-its-kind farmers’ market aimed at helping state’s military veterans

Connecticut farmers who are also U.S. military veterans are set to take part in the state’s first-ever veteran only farmers’ market on July 13.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are nearly 900 farmers in Connecticut with military experience. A new initiative is aimed at giving them a major boost.

The Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development Area is currently implementing a three-year CT Veteran Grown Initiative that is creating a CT Veteran Farmer Resource Hub, developing a CT Veteran Grown marketing campaign, and providing outreach and support through direct professional technical and marketing assistance, according to a press release. The funding was made possible through a grant from the Small Business Administration.

The initiative includes partnerships with the CT Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Homegrown by Heroes program. The program allows veterans to add the Homegrown by Heroes logo to their CT Grown farm products so that consumers can easily identify and support veteran farmers. The CT Chapter of Farmer Veteran Coalition is also an active partner in the CT Veteran Grown Initiative.

The CT Veteran Grown Initiative will join veteran-owned farms from around the state in the first-ever Homegrown by Heroes Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 13.

The Homegrown by Heroes Farmer’s Market will feature several veteran-owned farms including Hives for Heroes, Guardians Farm, Lakeside Farm, Lathrop Farm, Quiet Corner Flowers, Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter, Tranquil Hive Honey Co., Union Bee Company and Wilkinson Farm. Several different food products will be available for purchase. The farmers’ market is scheduled for July 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit ctveterangrown.org

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com