(L to R) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Advocacy and Outreach Carolyn Parker, Archie’s Acres and Veteran’s Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) Eric Boyd, Archie’s Acres and Veteran’s Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) graduate, Forager Mike’s Superfoods Dang Hot Sauce Mike Hanes, Archie’s Acres Veteran’s Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT)Dylan Ratigan, USDA Deputy Chief of Staff Anne MacMillan,  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Archi’s Acres and Veteran’s Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT), Colin and Karen Archipley, Veteran’s Valor Fund representative Filomena Spiese,  University of Vermont and Archies Acres representative Jeff Spees, and USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Elanor Starmer met at USDA in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Apr. 3, 2013. Archie’s Acres in association with a local university offers the Veteran’s Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program to active-duty military, veterans and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture as a career. Colin and Karen run a state-of-the-art, organic, hydroponic greenhouse operation in Escondido, CA. The farm produces basil, kale, avocados and a variety of other crops for the local market. USDA Photo by Bob Nichols.
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Bob Nichols/Photographer/Office of Communications-Creative Services Center-Photography Services Division
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