Sustainable Local Farming

1Which best describes you?

Veteran Military spouse or partner Transitioning out of service within 18 months Currently serving (active, Guard, or Reserve) Not military, but I work with or support veterans Other

2Branch of service

Yours, or your spouse’s. Skip if it doesn’t apply.

3Which metro area would you want to work in?

The city or region where you’d want to run or work at a farm. Start typing for suggestions, or write your own.

4How interested are you in owning and running a vertical farm?

Not for meSign me up

5What role would you most want?

Own and run my own farm Work at a farm, not own one Invest in a farm someone else runs Partner, supplier, or customer (real estate, restaurant, logistics) Just learning for now

6If this existed today, when would you start?

Within 6 months 6 to 18 months 2 years or more Not sure

7Your growing experience

None Home gardening Hobby hydroponics or indoor growing Worked on or ran a farm

8What would you want to grow?

Tick any that appeal to you, and add your own ideas below.

Lettuce and leafy greens Herbs (basil, cilantro, mint) Microgreens and sprouts Strawberries and berries Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers Mushrooms Crops for a specific cuisine or community Not sure yet

9Your business experience

None yet Side business or freelancing Managed a team or budget Owned or co-owned a business

10Capital you could realistically put toward a farm

Including savings, loans you could qualify for, or partners. A rough range is fine.

Under $25,000 $25,000 to $100,000 $100,000 to $250,000 Over $250,000 Prefer not to say

11What would most likely stop you?

Choose up to three.

Getting financing Finding a space Not knowing enough about farming Finding customers Time alongside a job or family Permits, food-safety rules, taxes Risk of losing money Nothing, I’d go for it

12How would you want to learn?

In person at a training farm Online, at my own pace Mix of both Paid apprenticeship at a working farm

A few bigger-picture questions. There are no right answers; we want to know what you care about.

13How concerned are you about food security where you live?

Whether people nearby can reliably get enough affordable, healthy food.

Not concernedVery concerned

14Which food and nutrition issues matter most to you?

Choose up to three.

15“A country that can’t feed itself isn’t truly secure.”

How much do you agree?

Strongly disagreeStrongly agree

16Who should a local farm feed first?

Families in the surrounding neighborhood Schools, hospitals, and VA facilities Food banks and people who can’t afford fresh food Restaurants and grocers; the farm has to pay its way A deliberate mix of all of these

In your own words: what would a healthy, secure food system look like in your community?

Anything else you’d want us to know?

Email, if you’d like to hear what we learn

Would you run one?

About you

Received. Thank you.