BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s Frontline-to-Farm (FtF) program is entering a new phase of growth as interdisciplinary collaborations offer opportunities to strengthen support for military veterans, farmers, and rural communities across Western North Carolina.
For the past five years, FtF, which is focused on helping military veterans transition into sustainable agriculture while strengthening local food systems and rural communities, has been led by the Department of Sustainable Development and the Department of Communication within the College of Fine and Applied Arts. This year, Dr. Joseph Jakubek, assistant teaching professor in App State's Department of Sociology within the College of Arts and Sciences, joins Dr. Anne Fanatico with the initiative. The addition of Sociology faculty will bring new perspectives in rural development and community-based research to FtF's mission, expanding the program’s interdisciplinary reach and impact. The collaboration will also create new opportunities for student engagement through internships, applied learning experiences, and community-based projects that support both veterans and local agricultural producers.
This expansion comes at a critical time for Western North Carolina communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene. In the wake of the hurricane, FtF and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture previously created the BRWIA/FtF Producer Relief Grant to support rebuilding efforts by the region’s farmers. In total, the grant distributed $24,000 in donations to 12 local producers, aiding their abilities to continue providing locally sourced food to communities in the High Country.
In seeking to continue broadening its funding portfolio, the program is being supported in 2026 by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s National Institute of Food and Agriculture after initial funding from the USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. These investments will allow the program to expand outreach programming and community partnerships.
A final major development is the program's growing collaboration with the University of Connecticut (UConn). The team is also being joined by Dr. Abhinav Upadhyay, associate professor of animal science at the University of Connecticut. Together, App State and UConn are working to introduce innovative and sustainable technologies designed to support small-scale farmers. Among these innovations is the use of ultrafine bubble technology for sanitizing produce and poultry products, offering new opportunities to improve food safety and agricultural sustainability. This technology will be incorporated into FtF’s annual beginning farmer training, to be held at App State from June 8-12, 2026, which hosts local and regional producers during a week-long program focused on developing new sustainability practices.
As FtF continues to grow, the partnerships emerging between the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and UConn demonstrate App State's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, rural resilience, veteran support, and innovation.
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About Frontline-to-Farm
Frontline-to-Farm, a grant-funded program based at Appalachian State University, trains military veterans and beginning farmers in sustainable farming as a livelihood. The program supports practices that raise healthy food, build community, and mitigate climate change, while providing support and re-connection for those who have served. Learn more about Frontline-to-Farm
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more about CAS
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts (CFAA) is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more about CFAA
Written by Dr. Joseph Jakubek
Edited by Lauren Gibbs
June 5, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Frontline-to-Farm Logo
Frontline-to-Farm, a grant-funded program based at Appalachian State University, trains military veterans and beginning farmers in sustainable farming as a livelihood.