In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United Service Organizations estimates 181,510 Americans have enlisted in the armed forces.
Many of those veterans are now looking for their next opportunity. Combined with the upcoming 20-year anniversary of the Iraq War, even more veterans could be considering a second career. For many veterans, agriculture is the perfect fit.
In Virginia, the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture helps train veterans for a career in farming. Located in southern Fairfax County on property once owned by the first commander-in-chief, George Washington, the center provides courses as well as some land for potential farmers to get hands-on experience.
“The great thing about farming and agriculture is that it’s a continuous learning environment,” said Marcus Roberson, an Army veteran who has benefitted from Arcadia Center training. “You’re challenged every day, and some days you know exactly what to do. Other days you’re kind of like ‘Well,...