Military veterans turned farmers receive new produce logo in Tennessee

FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new produce logo is coming to farmers’ markets and some grocery stores in Tennessee.

This logo will be visible on meat and produce, meaning it was grown locally by a farmer veteran.

Fayetteville farmer Jim Blair told News 2 that this is an opportunity to grow local farmers’ customer base.

Blair served for ten years in the United States Navy, working in communication systems and radar before becoming an instructor.

However after ten years of service, a trip to his friend’s farm, and a request from his kids, he got a goat.

“My kids at the time wanted goats, so we wound up with goats, then after that, we got chickens, and people say chickens are like the gateway drug; well, so are goats,” Double JB Farm owner Jim Blair said.

After that goat came 40 more.

Blair said Double JB Farm has grown to include pigs, cows, geese, and fresh produce like okra since 2018.

Goat milk is sold to a local soap company and is available for pet feed. Cows, pigs, and turkeys are sold locally as meat. Any extra meat, fruit, or vegetables are donated to local food shelters.

Despite the growth, Blair said getting to this point took time and money.

“In the next year or two, we should start to be profitable,” Blair explained. “But just the cost to get into this initially.. fencing is incredibly expensive; tractors are expensive.”

Blair said he was able to get where he is now with help from programs like Homegrown By Heroes and Pick Tennessee Products.

The two programs have since merged , creating one recognized logo.

“This gives them an easy way when they are out shopping wherever that be at a farmers market, and we have some members that are selling in grocery stores,” said Kacey Troup, TDA’s Business Development Consultant. “When they see that they instantly know that I am supporting both a Tennessee producer and a farmer veteran.”

“The meat we get from our pork and beef is what I consider to be better than most grocery stores,” Blair expressed. “So it is rewarding to be able to do things like that.”

Troup said this is all a part of a more significant effort to build up local farmers and veterans looking for new opportunities.

She added that many members of the Homegrown by Heroes are beginning farmers who are working hard to build their customer base.

Blair said veterans have the determination, but this new logo will give them the added funding and recognition.

“It’s a real easy resource for people to go look and see veteran owned and farms and suppliers in the area,” Blair said.

According to Blair, its more than just providing local produce; it’s knowing that you are feeding your community quality food.

“We give a lot of our food, excess vegetables and pork meat to Hands of Mercy in Fayetteville, which is one of our local food banks,” explained Blair. “When we go in with 900 pounds of pork, and they tell us there are 60 cars in the parking lot and we can feed 300 families — that really feels good.”

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