In an effort to highlight the local agricultural achievements of Tennessee's veteran farmers, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Pick Tennessee Products (PTP) program has linked arms with Homegrown By Heroes. This initiative not only elevates Tennessee-grown goods but also honors those who've served the nation, now nurturing the land. Homegrown By Heroes is the certified label for farmer U.S. military veterans, a designation steered by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition to help consumers identify products cultivated from the courage and hard work typical of the nation's military servicemen and women.
The fusion of PTP and Homegrown By Heroes is more than just a merger of logos; it's a statement of pride, "We are proud of our military men and women and are honored when they choose to join our agricultural community," Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., pointed out, emphasizing that this unified branding will let these farmer veterans shine on the shelves as representatives of not only the rich soils of Tennessee but as embodiments of their enduring service to the country, according to the state's official announcement.
Ron Bridges, the Tennessee chapter President of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, echoed this sentiment and appeared optimistic about the partnership, "This merged logo will serve as a symbol of the productive partnership between FVC-TN and TDA," he said, highlighting that many FVC-TN members have seen tangible growth through the Pick Tennessee Products platform, with the added recognition of their veteran status boosting their profiles among consumers. The initiative seems tailored not only to acknowledge past valor but to sow seeds of commercial success for those transitioning from military life to agricultural livelihoods.
The tangible influence of the program is best captured in the words of Jennifer Rafn owner of Pecan Hill Farms in Lincoln County who expressed pride in showcasing her dual membership, stating, "We are proud to be able to share with our customers and others that we are a Pick Tennessee Products producer and a Homegrown By Heroes producer," her anticipation, it seems, aligns with hopeful prospects that the shared emblem will not just mark their produce but mark a beacon for quality and trust that the Tennessee community can rely on, these perspectives were gathered and shared by the state's agricultural news portal.
