New Jersey veteran Stephen Robinson considers the logistics of growing mushrooms and sending them to farmers' markets and restaurants, a far cry from the logistics he managed as an Army convoy commander during battles in Iraq. He runs an urban farm in south New Jersey called Urban Farmer Steve, where he grows mushrooms, microgreens, vegetables, and flowers. Veterans like Robinson are steadily flocking to agriculture, a field historically intertwined with the military — 1 in every 6 farms has a producer who is currently serving or has served in the military.
To help stem the decline, provide career opportunities, and attract a changing veteran demographic, training programs have been launched. The Veterans Administration offers these numerous programs. Robinson said regardless of challenges he's committed to growing his business because it's not just about money, but also personal fulfillment. Learning to farm has completely changed his perspective and life over the past two years and he doesn't struggle as he used to.
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