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March 02, 2010 LOANS FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS
From: U. S. Department of Agriculture
Washington County Farm Service Agency
(207) 255-3612, Fax: (207) 255-6817
Contact: Jennifer C. Ranke Farm Loan Manager
Farm Service Agency (FSA) has funding for Socially Disadvantaged applicants to buy and operate family-size farms. SDA members include women, African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Asian, Pacific Islanders and Alaskan Natives. The supervised credit initiative removes barriers, which prevent individuals from participation in loan programs. Qualified candidates are provided information and assistance to develop sound management practices, analyze problems and utilize available resources to help create or maintain a successful farming operation. This program provides direct and guaranteed assistance in the form of farm operating and farm ownership loans. Direct loans are made to applicants from FSA. Guaranteed loans are issued by lending institutions, but typically 90-95% of the loan is guaranteed by FSA if the loan fails. Operating loans may be used to purchase livestock, equipment, feed, seed and other business related expenses. Repayment terms run from one to seven years. Ownership loans are used to purchase or enlarge a farm, construct or improve buildings or promote conservation practices and pay closing costs. Terms for ownership loans can run up to 40 years. Producers must meet all requirements for FSA’s regular farm loan programs. Individuals must be If you would like to apply for FSA assistance, please call the Washington County FSA at 255-3612, ext. 2. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, |