Hillsborough County's Extension Service has launched a program to introduce military veterans, reservists, transitioning active-duty personnel, and their spouses to careers in agriculture. The program includes a bus tour of local farms and food producers, highlighting diverse career opportunities beyond traditional farming, such as technology, management, and other sectors within agriculture, as per the Hillsborough County release.
The recent tour aimed to assist veterans transitioning to civilian life by showcasing the range of skills that are transferable to agriculture. Participants visited a variety of operations, including a flour mill, tropical aquaculture lab, greenhouse nursery, and strawberry farm, providing a broad view of the industry.
The tour emphasized the role of technology and management systems in modern agriculture, including labor recruitment, bookkeeping, procurement, and marketing. It also included a stop at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, a leader in sustainable farming practices. The program aimed to help veterans explore new career paths in food, medicine, consumer products, and energy production.
