The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina has contributed $30,000 to N.C. State University’s Soldier to Agriculture program. 
 

The program takes place at Fort Bragg’s Career Resource Center and lasts five weeks. Through hands-on training and discussion with agricultural industry leaders, the program shows military service members potential careers in agriculture when entering the civilian workforce. 
 

Agriculture combined with agribusiness is North Carolina’s top industry, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Consumer Services. 

Samantha Manning, who serves as the program coordinator and veteran liaison for Soldier to Agriculture, said the financial gift to the program equips service members with valuable resources. 
 

“This gift allows us to continue providing services, which assist veterans in making valuable contributions to their communities and to North Carolina agriculture — aligning our mutual goal to support the next generation of agriculture and the future of rural America.”
 

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina is a member-owned, financial cooperative. In a statement from CEOs of AgCarolina Farm Credit, Carolina Farm Credit and Cape Fear Farm Credit acknowledged their gift and their support of the program. 
 

“The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina appreciate the service, sacrifice, courage and dedication of our soldiers,” according to press material. “Financially supporting The Soldier to Agriculture program is one way we show our gratitude.”
 

“Soldiers and those involved in agriculture share many values, including determination, resilience and a passion to serve others,” according to the statement. “The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina are humbled to support a program that equips soldiers with skills they’ll use to farm as they continue to serve our country — now within the agricultural industry.”