
VETERAN FARM PROGRAM
AGRIBUSINESS & SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TRAINING
Start a Farm or Food Business. Our accredited veteran farm program is designed for your unique experience. We provide practical skills training, industry-recognized credentials, and a fast track to a UMN degree or certificate. We are also SkillBridge, GI Bill, and TA approved.

WHY AiSA?

Accredited

Learn at Home

Expert Staff

Start. Growing. Now.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – CROOKSTON
Ready to turn your passion for sustainable agriculture into a thriving career? Choose between a focused 6-week or 12-week agribusiness experience, learn online or in person with personalized guidance from industry experts.
100% Online Option
(16) Transferrable Credits
Expert Practitioners
GI BILL | DOD SKILLBRIDGE | TUITION ASSISTANCE



NEXT ONLINE SESSION
2025 CLASSES

6 WEEKS ONLINE
Optional Hands-on Farm Lab
MAR 17 – APR 25
JUN 02 – JUL 11
AUG 26 – OCT 3
OCT 13 – NOV 21

6 WEEKS IN PERSON
@ Archi’s Institute in Escondido, CA
APR 21 – MAY 30

12 WEEKS HYBRID
Optional Hands-on Farm Lab
SEP 16 – DEC 05

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

The AiSA program is equivalent to and satisfies the following UMN courses:
AGEC 1004: AGRIBUSINESS
Introduction to Agribusiness: Background of American agriculture. Interrelationships of agricultural industries. Economic concepts of production, marketing, and consumption. Principles of management. Agricultural policy. Issues/trends in agribusiness. (3 Credits)
AGEC 2530: AGRISELLING
Professional Agriselling: Use of technical and agricultural knowledge in agricultural sales. Need-satisfaction approach to selling. Planning and conducting informational meetings, exhibiting at farm and trade shows, importance of service and timeliness in agribusiness, and practice in making agrisales presentations. (3 Credits)
AGEC 3440: VALUE-ADDED AG
Fundamentals of Value-Added Agriculture: Explore different aspects of value added agriculture as it relates to the production or manufacturing processes, marketing, or services that increase value of primary commodities or appeal to the final consumers. (3 Credits)
AGEC 4800: RURAL ECONOMIC DEV.
Rural Economic Development Practicum: Students develop strategies/program to promote economic development for a real rural community, including implementation/financing plans. (3 Credits)
AGRO 1020: HYDROPONICS
Special Topic: Fundamentals of HydroOrganic practices for crop production. (2 Credits)
BIOL 3496: SUSTAINABLE AG
Special Topic: Students learn the methods of sustainability in crop productions as well as business practices. (2 Credits)
FAQs
Is AiSA approved for GI Bill benefits?
Yes, AiSA programs are approved for GI Bill benefits, DoD SkillBridge, and Military Tuition Assistance, making us accessible to veterans seeking education in sustainable agriculture. Thanks to Stand for the Troops and Farmer Veteran Coalition, we also have grants available to assist veterans who need financial help to attend our farm program.
What certifications will I earn through this program?
You will earn industry-recognized certifications in sustainable agriculture, hydroponics, and food safety. Our program also provides 16 transferable credits, fast-tracking your path toward an undergraduate agricultural education degree or certificate at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
Do I need prior farming experience to join?
No prior farming experience is necessary. To get you started, we have an accredited and comprehensive curriculum that is recognized by respected organizations, including the University of Minnesota Crookston, the Farm Service Agency, and multiple veteran agencies and organizations. Our veteran farm program teaches you everything from soil science to farm management.
How does the veteran to farmer program work?
AiSA, partnered with the University of Minnesota, offers veterans structured online and in-person agricultural education, similar to how other college and vocational programs work. For online learners, optional hands-on labs are available and can be scheduled even after graduation.
What programs are available to help veterans start a farm?
Veterans have access to several programs, including:
- Farmer Veteran Coalition’s Fellowship Fund: Offers small grants to help veterans establish or expand their agricultural businesses.
- AiSA’s Agribusiness Program: Archi’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture provides accredited training in sustainable agriculture, business planning, marketing, and modern farming technologies. This program equips veterans with the practical skills and industry-recognized credentials needed to launch successful careers or businesses in agriculture.
- USDA Farm Loan Programs: These programs provide financial assistance for purchasing land, equipment, and other essential farming resources.
Has anyone used veteran resources to start an agriculture business?
Yes, veterans leverage a variety of resources, including SkillBridge, their GI Bill benefits and targeted federal programs like those from the USDA, to launch agricultural careers. This support, coupled with assistance from organizations like the Farmer Veteran Coalition and specialized accredited training programs like AiSA’s, helps veterans overcome the challenges of starting a business and thrive in the farming and ranching industries.
What should I consider when starting a farm as a veteran?
Start your farm by maximizing veteran benefits:
- Network with other veteran farmers for support (highly recommended)
- GI Bill, SkillBridge, and Military TA for training
- USDA veteran-specific programs (for loans & grants)
- Reach out for FREE non-profit mentorship support (Farmer Veteran Coalition & SCORE)
- Complete focused accredited education (AiSA & University of Minnesota Crookston)
Are there any forums or communities where I can discuss veteran farming?
Yes, platforms like Reddit’s r/farming community often discuss veteran-specific farming topics. Additionally, organizations like the Farmer Veteran Coalition host networking events and workshops
How do I apply for AiSA’s programs?
Visit our “How to Apply” page on the website, select your preferred session (online, in-person, or hybrid), and complete the enrollment form. If you need assistance, contact us via phone, text, or email.
When are classes offered?
Our veteran farm program is available year-round with flexible options:
- In person: 6-week sessions starting in April at our Escondido campus.
- Hybrid: 12-week sessions starting in September. Combines online learning with hands on farm labs
- Online: 6-week sessions starting in March, June, August, and October. Hands on farm labs optional.
LATEST MEDIA
VETERAN ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAM
- AiSA Spotlight
- Accredited Veteran Farm Program: The Right Choice
- A Deep Appreciation for Stand for the Troops (SFTT)
- How to Apply & Enroll
- A Powerful Partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition
- Farmers & Ranchers $25K Grant – Zero Foodprint
- Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant: $10K
- What is SkillBridge in the Marines?
- DoD SkillBridge: Veterans Sustainable Farm Training