Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training
America’s Premier Veterans Agriculture Training Program
850+ graduates. 16 college credits. VA-approved. SkillBridge eligible. Zero excuses.
Other programs have followed. VSAT has been here since 2007.
What VSAT Is
Built at a Working Farm, by a Marine Veteran
The Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training program was built at a working farm by a Marine veteran, with one goal: producing agricultural entrepreneurs who grow food for a living and run the business behind it.
Developed at Archi’s Acres in Escondido, California — a USDA-certified organic hydroponic operation — VSAT has trained more than 850 veterans and transitioning service members since 2007. It’s accredited through the University of Minnesota Crookston and designed to get you operational, not just credentialed.
VSAT is for veterans ready to build something. No farming background required — just the drive to own what comes next. Whether you’re using the GI Bill, coming in through SkillBridge, or paying your own way, this program meets you where you are.
240 Hours. Six Modules.
What You’ll Study
Module 1: Sustainable Agriculture Foundations
Soil science, organic production methods, pest management, and the principles of sustainable farming.
Module 2: Hydroponic & Controlled Environment Agriculture
Design, build, and manage hydroponic growing systems. Hands-on training in our Escondido greenhouses.
Module 3: Irrigation & Resource Management
Water systems, resource efficiency, and infrastructure planning for modern farm operations.
Module 4: Food Safety & Compliance
ServSafe certification, USDA organic standards, food handling, and regulatory compliance.
Module 5: Agribusiness & Entrepreneurship
Business planning, market analysis, pricing strategy, farm economics, and supply chain management.
Module 6: Career Readiness & Launch
Business plan development, industry networking, career pathway planning, and post-program resources.
Choose Your Format
Three Ways to Learn
🌿 Day Classes On-Farm
In-Person
Full immersion at our Escondido farm. Classroom instruction plus daily hands-on work in the greenhouses and fields. Best for those who want the full farm experience.
Schedule: Tue & Fri, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM PST
💻 Day Classes Online
Full-Time
Accelerated virtual training with optional in-person farm labs. The same comprehensive curriculum delivered live online. Best for veterans who can commit full-time but aren’t local to San Diego.
Schedule: Mon & Thu, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
📱 Night Classes Online
Part-Time
Designed for working professionals. Evening classes at a manageable pace with optional weekend farm labs. Best for those balancing a job or family while training.
Schedule: Tue, 6:00 – 9:00 PM PST
What You Earn
Leave With More Than Knowledge
16 College Credits
Through the University of Minnesota Crookston. Transferable to degree programs nationwide.
- BIOL 3496 — Advanced Applied Techniques in Agricultural Biology (4 cr)
- AGEC 1004 — Agricultural & Food Economics (2 cr)
- AGEC 2530 — Introduction to Agribusiness (3 cr)
- AGEC 3440 — Agribusiness Financial Management (3 cr)
- AGRO 1020 — Principles of Agronomy (3 cr)
- AGEC 4800 — Agribusiness Capstone (1 cr)
Hydroponicist Specialist Certification
Industry-recognized credential in controlled environment agriculture.
ServSafe Food Safety Certification
Required across the food industry. Yours to keep for life.
Business Plan
A completed, investor-ready business plan for your agricultural venture.
Professional Network
Connections to 850+ alumni, industry partners, and agricultural organizations.
Funding
Most Veterans Pay Nothing Out of Pocket
VSAT is VA-approved for Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill benefits. Active duty in your final 180 days? SkillBridge lets you complete the program at zero cost while still drawing military pay.
Tuition is based on University of Minnesota Crookston rates — contact our enrollment coordinator, Laura, for exact figures and to confirm your eligibility.
Outcomes
850+ Graduates. Farms, Businesses, Careers
Our graduates don’t wait around. They launch operations, secure FSA financing, enter ag-tech companies, and apply their credits toward degrees.
AiSA is an officially approved program that satisfies USDA FSA educational requirements for Farm Operating Loans — one of a very short list of programs that can say that.
The Premier Program Has Limited Spots
VSAT cohorts fill up. If you’re serious about agricultural entrepreneurship, the time to move is now — not after the next intake closes.
Not ready to apply yet? Join our Interest List →