Homegrown by Heroes

What Is Homegrown By Heroes?

A blended logo but a simple message: Homegrown By Heroes is a program for PA Preferred® members who are veterans or active service members. The program allows veterans to add the Homegrown By Heroes logo to their products so that consumers can easily identify them and support veteran-owned businesses. A program of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, Homegrown By Heroes was founded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in January 2013.

The label has been administered nationally by the Farmer Veteran Coalition since Veterans Day of that same year. Since then, the program has expanded and is now in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. Pennsylvania introduced the Homegrown By Heroes logo in 2015. If you're a veteran and a farmer, the benefits to participating are clear: The Homegrown By Heroes label differentiates veteran-produced products in competitive markets. It provides consumers a tangible way to support veterans.

America loves veterans and there is no better way for citizens to show their support than by purchasing the fruit of their labor. Are you a veteran and a farmer? Here are some reasons to consider participating:

Why Get Involved?

  • The Homegrown By Heroes label differentiates veteran-produced products in competitive markets.
  • It provides consumers a tangible way to support veterans. America loves her veterans and there is no better way for citizens to show their support than by purchasing the fruit of their labor.
  • Displaying the label–for example, on your farmers’ market stand, egg cartons, canned goods, produce boxes, etc.–gives veterans the point-of-sale visibility needed to be successful in the marketplace.
  • Displaying the logo on a farmers’ market stand–or anywhere you do business–invites consumers to ask about the label, providing an opportunity for the veteran to share their story and connect with their customers. In many cases, this leads to loyal, returning customers.
  • Homegrown By Heroes brand awareness is growing rapidly as a result of national publicity and exposure. Your products will be associated with a unique and honorable food label, giving you a competitive advantage.

How to Participate

                

First, become a member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (membership is free).  After your membership has been approved, you'll need to become a certified Homegrown by Heroes member.

Visit the FVC Website

Also, you must become a member of the PA Preferred program (membership is free).  If you are not yet a member of PA Preferred, click the button below.

Become a Member

Veterans in Agriculture

The department aims to expand its outreach and partnerships to existing veterans organizations while seeking to bolster and tailor existing state-wide programs for veterans in agricultural education, employment, and entrepreneurship. To learn more about partnerships and additional resources, visit the Veterans in Agriculture webpage.