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The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is accepting applications for the 2026 Veterans & Heroes to Agriculture Agribusiness Pitch Competition through Jan. 16.
The annual event supports veterans and other emergency responders pursuing agricultural careers and small-business ventures. The competition provides qualified applicants an opportunity to present their ideas for innovative, agriculture-focused projects and compete for funding to help launch or expand their operations.
Applicants pitch their business concept to a panel of judges representing agriculture, business development, and veteran services.
Finalists will present their ideas during the Pitch Competition, Saturday, March 7, at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia. They will compete for cash awards intended to support business planning, equipment purchases, product development, and other business needs.
“Agriculture provides a meaningful pathway for many veterans returning to civilian life,” Kent Leonhardt, commissioner of Agriculture, said. “This competition highlights the strength, resourcefulness, and leadership our veterans bring to West Virginia farms and agribusinesses. We are proud to support their success.”
Participants may submit concepts ranging from traditional farming and forestry to value-added food products, agritourism, technology, and other agriculture-related enterprises. The WVDA also provides technical assistance and business resources to help applicants refine their proposals.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be law enforcement, firefighter, emergency medical service, first responder, veteran, active-duty military, and/or their spouses and family, and must be a West Virginia resident
Proposed project must have an agriculture or food-based component.