Young Farmers USDA Access and Accountability Team supports BIPOC farmers
My name is Ebonee Stevenson, and I am the new USDA Access and Accountability Organizer with the National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers). I am a veteran community organizer, Master Urban Farmer, a community-based educator, and consumer of copious amounts of ramen. You may be wondering what a USDA Access and Accountability Organizer does and […]
Is an FSA microloan right for your farm?
Are you looking for a little extra capital to support your farming goals? USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) microloans allow small farmers to apply for only what they need (no minimum) up to $50,000. Farmers can use the loans to purchase land, buy equipment, or for other farming expenses. EXAMPLES of purchases the loans may […]
FSA announces funding for loan program
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced last Friday that they are transferring additional funding into their direct farm operating loan program. This program loans money to farmers to help them pay for farm operating expenses and equipment when they cannot find a farm loan with another lender. This program includes the incredibly popular microloan program […]
"The Girl with Grit" – Reposted from the USDA Blog
Starting a farm is no easy path, and overcoming financial obstacles is a huge part of the high risk of failure. New farmers often come up against high costs of land and equipment, just a couple of the many barriers to entry. If our generation is to successfully continue the American agricultural legacy, we need to […]
Resource Spotlight – Kiva Zip Helps Connect Supporting Communities with Entrepreneurs
Beginning farmers know that one of the biggest obstacles we face is access to capital and credit as we build our farms. While there are a lot of commercial and governmental loan programs for farmers out there, many don’t have the flexibility or reach to assist those just starting their businesses. We are lucky, however, […]
Microloan amendment receives bipartisan support in the Senate
We are thrilled to announce a small victory on the Farm Bill front! This week the FSA Microloan Authorization amendment to the Farm Bill received bipartisan support, as Senators Casey (D-PA), Harkin (D-IA) and Johanns (R-NE) all put themselves as official co-sponsors of the bill. The Microloan amendment strengthens the Farm Service Agency’s microloan program […]
Registration Open for Free Webinar Discussing FSA Microloan Program
You’ve heard us talk about the FSA microloan program. In fact, you probably were a part of the push over the past year to make it a reality. Well the USDA listened to us, so let’s make sure this program actually gets used! The microloan program offers low-interest loans up to $35,000 to better serve […]
RELEASE: YOUNG FARMERS READY FOR NEW USDA MICROLOANS
TIVOLI, NY — The National Young Farmer’s Coalition (NYFC) applauds the USDA’s announcement today that the agency will offer microloans to farmers. This new loan program will enable Farm Service Agency officers to make loans up to $35,000 with half the paperwork of existing programs and with more flexible requirements. The microlending program is designed to help beginning farmers launch new farm businesses.