USDA appoints first Military Veterans Liaison

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden recently announced Karis T. Gutter as the first USDA Military Veterans Agricultural (MVA) Liaison.

 

Gutter is a Marine Corps Reserve veteran and current USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS).

 

The MVA Liaison will coordinate USDA leadership across the Department to provide information, resources and support for active duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The MVA Liaison will also have authority to facilitate formal relationships between USDA and other government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen USDA support for veterans.

 

Deputy Secretary Harden made the announcement at the Farmers Veterans Coalition and Drake University Agriculture Law Center's inaugural national conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

 

"Many of America's veterans come from our rural communities, and are often drawn back to the land upon returning to civilian life," said Deputy Secretary Harden. "Veterans are key to building our future generation of farmers, land stewards and conservationists. USDA already has a number of initiatives to help veterans find meaningful work in agriculture upon returning home, but this new position will help coordinate our efforts and make programs easier to navigate. I look forward to Karis' leadership as we continue to support America's heroes."

 

Gutter, native of Terry, Mississippi (pop. 1,099), began his career in public service as an enlisted United States Marine Corp Reservist. Gutter served as a Corporal in the Marine Corps as a communications and field radio operator for six years and participated in humanitarian relief in support of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. Prior to his USDA service, Gutter worked for the Hinds County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi and on Capitol Hill as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02).

 

"Serving as USDA's first Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison is a great honor," said Gutter, who is also attending the Iowa conference. "As a Marine, I know military veterans have unique skills, training and perspective. My job is to make sure military veterans have full access to USDA's resources and services to help them succeed in civilian life."

 

The USDA Military Veteran Agriculture Liaison, which reports directly to the Office of the Secretary, is a new position created by the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill also authorizes USDA to offer priority preference to veterans in several programs including the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.