USDA Offering Loans Targeted At Underserved Groups, Beginning Farmers

The Washington FSA is reminding the ag community of operating and farm ownership loans to underserved and beginning farmers.  For decades now, the FSA has set aside funds, earmarked for these two specific groups.  The Washington FSA’s Houston Bruck told the Washington Ag Network not only do these loans help new farmers break in to the industry, but the loans also help ensure one of the core purposes of the USDA, making sure there is enough food.

“If you’ve got a large supply of farmers and ranchers, then you’re going to have a large supply and quantity of food.  And that larg number of farmers and ranchers in turn helps ensure there’s a lot of competition and a lot of different marketing avenues.”

Bruck said if you or someone you know is interested in theses loans, you need to work on getting your ducks in a row before you fill out paperwork.

“Really, I would encourage you to come in and sit down and work through a business plan and to put pencil to paper.  How is this going to work? What’s my income my expenses going to be?  What’s my current financial situation.  Just write down, even ‘here’s what I want to do, here’s how I’d like to market it’, just come on in with a very basic business plan.”

Bruck adds there are Eight FSA loan offices across Washington to help.

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