Pick Tennessee Products Partners with Homegrown by Heroes
NASHVILLE – A new partnership in the agricultural sector aims to boost recognition for military veterans active in farming. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Pick Tennessee Products (PTP) program and Homegrown By Heroes, a specialized branding initiative recognized among U.S. military veteran farmers, have joined forces to better promote local agricultural products produced by these Tennessee farmer veterans.
The Role of PTP and Homegrown By Heroes
The Homegrown By Heroes label is the official farmer U.S. military veteran branding program. Overseen by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition, this initiative facilitates certification for ranchers, farmers, and fishermen from all military branches to sell their products as veteran-owned and produced.
On the other side, PTP has been integral in connecting people everywhere to the various products originating from Tennessee’s farms and food businesses for more than 30 years. The PTP logo is an indication to consumers that the products they purchase wearing this logo were produced within Tennessee.
Implications of the Partnership
“We are proud of our military men and women and are honored when they choose to join our agricultural community,” said Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. The merged Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products logo allows farmer veterans to stand out in the market, signifying not only a Tennessee product but also a veteran-produced product.
The mission of the Farmer Veteran Coalition is to mobilize veterans to participate in feeding America. They aim to cultivate a new generation of farmers through the strategic collaboration of the farming and military communities. As stated by Ron Bridges, owner of Bee Ridges Farm in Anderson County and President of the Tennessee chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, “This merged logo will serve as a symbol of the productive partnership between FVC-TN and TDA.”
Response from the Farming Community
Many members belonging to FVC-TN are beginning farmers and are rigorously working to increase their customer base. Rory Williams, owner of M and R Farm in Marshall County, shared his enthusiasm on the combined logo concept, “I imagine that combining the two logos will strengthen our relationship-building going forward. We are honored to be able to advertise that our farm fits the eligibility criteria for both.”
Jennifer Rafn, owner of Pecan Hill Farms in Lincoln County, also expressed pride in being able to advertise their farm as a producer verified by Pick Tennessee Products and Homegrown By Heroes.
This collaboration enhances the marketing capabilities of these farmers and creates opportunities to broaden their reach and customer interaction. As farmer veterans, they can now utilize the consolidated logos to better highlight their service in both the military and agricultural areas. To find more about Homegrown By Heroes or refer to local products, interested individuals may visit the respective websites or the free Pick TN mobile app.
