Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Micro-loan program to aid small, first-time farmers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week announced a proposed new micro-loan program that would be added to the credit options available to farmers through the Farm Service Agency. The new program, reports Agri-Pulse, would allow FSA to make smaller loans -- those with a principal balance of up to $35,000 -- and would require less paperwork for farmers.

“This new program is a step in the right direction for the next generation of farmers who often are looking for smaller loans when they’re first getting started in agriculture,” said National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Policy Associate Juli Obudzinski. Vilsack said his department is seeking public comments on the program. "As we expand options in agriculture, we're seeing a new vibrancy across the countryside as younger people—many of whom are now involved in local and regional production—pursue livelihoods in farming, raising food for local consumption,” Vilsack said. (Read more)

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