WASHINGTON ––U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with U.S. Representative Steve Womack (AR-3), today announced that the University of Arkansas (UA) has been awarded funding to develop an online and in-person training and mentoring program for military veterans and minority farmers.

“Establishing this type of career development program at our state’s flagship university is significant in light of the sizable role agriculture plays in Arkansas’s economy. The collaboration will help train and mentor the next generation of farmers, including veterans who are transitioning to civilian life, so that Arkansas can continue to be a leader in the agriculture industry,” Boozman said. 

“Young Arkansans hold the future of Arkansas agriculture in their hands. This program will ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and ensure Arkansas agriculture continues to thrive,” Cotton said. 

“Farmers are essential players in the Natural State’s economy,” said Womack. “We welcome this USDA-University of Arkansas collaboration, which will help grow our next generation of farmers.” 

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). UA will receive $749,720 to establish the program in collaboration with NIFA.