Media Contact:
Angel Cruz
CEFS Academic and Extension Initiatives Manager
aecruz@ncsu.edu
July 8, 2024
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is grateful to announce a $50,000 donation from International Farming (I.F.) to support CEFS’ Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship.
I.F., a global food-sourcing solutions platform, selected Boots on the Ground as one of several new strategic initiatives and alliances to support their goal of cultivating a workforce that empowers employees and provides equal opportunities.
As North Carolina’s first registered agricultural apprenticeship program for military veterans, Boots on the Ground aims to increase the pool of trained agricultural workers for management and entrepreneurial positions in farming operations in North Carolina. Registered with ApprenticeshipNC, the state apprenticeship coordinating body, this apprenticeship includes both hands-on job training and related technical instruction. A registered apprenticeship allows veterans to use their GI Bill education benefits for on-the-job training. Dr. Angel Cruz, CEFS Academic and Extension Initiatives Manager, says “International Farming’s generous donation will support the continuance and expansion of the apprenticeship and provide additional training opportunities.”
According to I.F.’s Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer, Eli Cheatham, the organization decided to team up with Boots on the Ground, as part of the company’s commitment to cultivating a better tomorrow. “Each year approximately 200,000 Service members leave the military, yet far too many return to find a lack of support and opportunity. Veterans have so much to offer, and we are honored to support the important work that Boots on the Ground in doing to train them in farming and ranching.”
“CEFS is grateful for the opportunity to partner with International Farming to expand critical opportunities for military veterans in agriculture. One of our strategic goals of CEFS is to support more career paths in agriculture and our food system that can engage new and diverse people. Supporting military veterans in farming connects two important industries in our state,” said Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, CEFS’ Director based at North Carolina State University.
To learn more about Boots on the Ground, please visit the website, watch this video, or read this article about the program’s impact on veterans.
About Boots on the Ground
Boots on the Ground is an initiative of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CEFS develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. For more information, visit www.cefs.ncsu.edu. The Boots on the Ground program was started with funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, [Proposal no.2021-06693; Accession No. 1027267 Project No.NC09924].
About International Farming
International Farming (I.F.) is a leading food-sourcing solutions platform. Through innovative ag-tech, asset management, and strategic partnerships, I.F. empowers food buyers and farmers to build a more transparent, global food economy. With agricultural roots dating back to 1827, I.F. brings a deep understanding and respect for farming and the land to its investment strategy.
For more information, visit internationalfarming.com.