AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Operation Grow program is hosting an inaugural online Operation Grow Connect event Nov. 16. This two-hour event will be held over Zoom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to briefly discuss the barriers to beginning farming, as well as how to access valuable agricultural and veteran resources. Preregistration required to participate. Register at https://tinyurl.com/266r47um.

Harli Willis, program coordinator for Operation Grow, said the event is an opportunity to connect veteran cohorts and farmers together.

“There will be a short general session on mental health, business planning and production challenges, followed by several breakout rooms for in-depth discussions on topics that emerge during the conversations,” Willis said.

The event is a free-form, participant-driven event to talk about a broad range of issues in the veteran communities. No travel is needed. People can connect remotely and be part of this learning and networking event.

Operation Grow, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, provides special emphasis on the training needs of military veterans interested in agriculture for health and employment benefits. Alabama Beginning Farmer is led by the Alabama Extension commercial horticulture team. Overall, Operation Grow supports grassroots educational and networking efforts that are inclusive of all veterans and their families with universal access to information and resources.

Learn more about Operation Grow on the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu.