New partnership announced between Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Grown and Homegrown by Heroes. A logo was officially unveiled combining the Homegrown by Heroes and the Indiana Grown logos. Among those shown are members of distinguished guest who attended the event.

INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Grown announced a new partnership with Homegrown by Heroes, a national organization dedicated to providing resources, assistance and product identification to farmer-veterans. Essentially, the partnership allows a veteran-owned Hoosier agricultural business to place a logo, specifically designed for Indiana, on products they grow, sell or distribute. This will help consumers more easily identify products that are not only grown in Indiana, but also made by a veteran.

To kick-off the program, an announcement was made at the historic Indiana War Memorial. Alongside ISDA Director Ted McKinney, who served as the moderator, many distinguished guests attended the event including Gov. Mike Pence, officials from the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, military personnel and members of the agricultural community. 

Sara Creech, who is an Air Force veteran, owner of Blue Yonder Organic Farm and one of the first members of the Indiana Grown Homegrown By Heroes program, provided testimony during the kick-off program.

However, one of the highlights of the event was the testimony given by Sara Creech, who is an Air Force veteran, owner of Blue Yonder Organic Farm and one of the first members of the Indiana Grown Homegrown By Heroes program. Sara spoke about the healing powers of farming, how it helped her transition from military to civilian life and how excited she was to be part of the program.

After she spoke, the logo was officially unveiled, which is a combination of the Homegrown by Heroes and the Indiana Grown logos, and was presented as a large banner to several farmer-veterans along with a special certificate, welcoming them into the program.

Since the announcement was made, many people have expressed interest into both organizations, and we are proud to have several new farmer-veterans join the Indiana Grown ranks as a result. Details regarding application requirements and members can be found here.