California Guard deploys to train Afghan farmers

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (8/28/09) -- The California National Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team (ADT), made up of Soldiers from throughout the state, will hold a deployment ceremony here at the West Los Angeles National Guard Armory Aug. 30 prior to a yearlong to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Soldiers with expertise in the fields of farming, engineering, forestry, power generation and livestock husbandry contribute to the 63-member agricultural development team, which is part of the 40th Infantry Division.

Once on the ground, the team will operate in Kunar Province working with the locals and offering methods to improve traditional farming practices.

“You bring in people who have these specialties and get them to collaborate on projects – we’re talking agri-business and business practices – and things will improve,” said Col. Eric Grimm, commander of this specialized team. "The ADT mission is focused on helping the people of Afghanistan maximize their agricultural productivity so they can sustain themselves, prosper and ultimately live without fear of the Taliban."

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