GROW is a Program for training veterans in hydroponic/aquaponic Sustainable Agricultures with class curriculum designed by partner UF/IFAS(including formulation of a farm business plan), farm field training and community involvement. Hydroponic therapy assists in healing. GROW assists veterans in preparing themselves for a future in the sustainable agriculture industry.

2. GROW
a Veteran Farm Academy
within KLD Farms
Hydroponic Sustainable Agriculture
Training and More

3. Following are photos
of this existing 1 year old hydroponic farm
which gives 80% of its produce to the local community

8. THE PURPOSE
The purpose of GROW is to help Veterans return to society
by securing meaningful employment in sustainable
agriculture. This will enable them to pursue the happiness
they served to protect while helping to satisfy our country's
needs for sustainable, locally grown agriculture.

9. THE GOAL
We will train 12-18 veterans in our first year.

10. THE NEEDS
Returning Veterans can have physical injuries as well as
hidden injuries which can lead to a cascade of other
troubles—unemployment, depression, substance abuse,
even suicide. Sometimes the existing agencies are not
able to offer them the help they need. They deserve
help now.

11. US Dept. of Agriculture has said that the average age of the small
farmer now is 55 so there is a huge and urgent need for younger
replacement farmers. Veterans are excellent candidates

12. The majority of produce in our local grocery
stores comes from other countries or far away
regions of the US on trucks, trains or boats.
Wouldn’t you rather protect our natural
environment by purchasing locally grown
produce?

13. Sustainable
Agriculture
is necessary
to preserve land
and crops for our
children. Learn
from organizations
like “Sustainable
Agriculture
Research and
Education” (SARE)
which has been in
existence for
25 years.

14. The Organization
GROW is a Veteran Farm Academy teaching
hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics and other
farming knowledge and skills within KLD Farm, a
501(c)3 non-profit organization, which grew out of
KLD Youth Foundation, established in 2002,
whose mission is to change lives by educating and
empowering young people, one life at a time. The
University of Florida/IFAS Brevard County
Extension is a partner.

15. Precedent
•Archi's Acres in California is a Veteran
Sustainable Agriculture Training(VSAT) facility
which has 200+ graduates and has received
national recognition.
Veterans Farm in Jacksonville, FL has a successful
veteran training program promoting traditional soil
farming.
Our Veteran Farm Academy in Merritt Island, FL,
using the GROW program will continue these
successful practices.
•
•

20. Healing Through Horticultural Therapy
Linda Seals, County Extension Director, UF/IFAS
Brevard County states - "Empirical research
shows that horticultural therapy provides
numerous benefits to people including improved
physical, social, psychological, and cognitive
abilities. While horticultural therapy has
traditionally involved landscape horticulture,
hydroponics and aquaponics—both innovative
methods used to grow edible crops can be used
in horticultural therapy."

21. The GROW/KLD Facilities
The site is located on Merritt Island, Florida just south of the
NASA launch sites and North West of the Port of Canaveral.
The newly rehabbed facilities are situated on several acres.

22. Classroom Curriculum: Approx 120 hours -
The UF/IFAS Brevard Extension is our partner
•
Sustainable Agriculture policies
and practices
•Computer use in Farming
• Use of Solar Energy
•
Hydroponics
• Emergency, safety & maintenance
•
Aquaponics
procedures
•
Aeroponics
• Farm Management
•
Traditional farming in Florida
• Farm Ownership
•
Management of Different Markets
• Business Plan approved by board
•
Site Selection Factors
of local business people

23. Onsite Field Training - Approx 120 hours
•Hydroponics
•Aquaponics
•Aeroponics
•Traditional soil farming

24. Off-Site Training –
Approx 30 Hours
• Visits with local buyers and consumers
• Visits to existing farms of various types in the area
• Introduction to Bee Keeping - visit local bee keepers
receive basic instruction
• Meet with local community organization & leaders
and
receive their advice
• Horticultural Therapy

25. Benefits of
GROW Training
•
A local business council can begin the process of
training vets to start their own farm upon approval of
a Business Plan.
•
The training GROW provides in the business aspect
of farming prepares Veterans to manage their own
business.
•
They will be better prepared to deal with the
business community—lenders, buyers, etc.

26. •
Established GROW farmers can help others to get
started
•
Higher studies in agriculture programs might be
pursued
•
Greater potential for employment in the field of
farming and supplies. Able to perform marketing for
their own venture or for others

27. •
Greater potential for employment in the field of
farming and supplies.
•
Able to perform marketing for their own venture or
for others
•
Skills in design and consulting could be applied to
other ventures
•
Aquaponics could be a stand-alone, backyard
business venture

28. The training that GROW provides qualifies veterans to
help meet the nationwide need for sustainable, locally
grown agriculture while developing younger farmers to
join the aging farmer population.
Veterans experience improved physical and mental
health, increased confidence and self respect by building
their business and farming skills.

29. GROW Contact Information
Charles Vensel
Director
321.961.1123
venselc@gmail.com