WV encourages military veterans to pursue a career in agriculture

Source: West Virginia Department of Agriculture

Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Veterans & Heroes to Agriculture Agribusiness Pitch Competition, an annual event designed to support veterans and other emergency responders pursuing agricultural careers and small-business ventures in the Mountain State. The competition provides qualified applicants an opportunity to present their ideas for innovative, agriculture-focused projects and compete for funding to help launch or expand their operations.

Applicants will pitch their business concept to a panel of judges representing agriculture, business development, and veteran services. Finalists will compete for cash awards intended to support business planning, equipment purchases, product development, and other business needs.

The Department of Agriculture developed the Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture Program to integrate veterans into the field of agriculture and support veterans currently working in agriculture. Image credit - WV Dept. of Agriculture

“Agriculture provides a meaningful pathway for many veterans returning to civilian life,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “This competition highlights the strength, resourcefulness, and leadership our veterans bring to West Virginia farms and agribusinesses. We are proud to support their success.”

Participants may submit concepts ranging from traditional farming and forestry to value-added food products, agritourism, technology, and other agriculture-related enterprises. The WVDA also provides technical assistance and business resources to help applicants refine their proposals.

Applications are due by January 16, 2026. Finalists will present their pitches during the Pitch Competition, Saturday, March 7, at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be law enforcement, firefighter, emergency medical service, first responder, veteran, active-duty military, and/or their spouses and family, and must be a West Virginia resident

Proposed project must have an agriculture or food-based component

How to Apply

Interested individuals can access the application and additional details at https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/veterans-and-heroes-to-agriculture/ or by contacting the WVDA Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture program at 304-558-2210.