Funds targeted for socially disadvantaged farmers
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Loans are now available for women and members of minority groups who want to purchase or operate a family-size farm.
Jane Armitage, farm loan manager of the USDA Farm Service Agency for Chase, Greenwood, Lyon, Marion, Morris, Wabuansee and Woodson Counties announced the availability of farm operating and farm ownership loans.
“Each year, the Farm Service Agency earmarks a portion of its farm loan funding for socially disadvantaged applicants, people who have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender inequality without regard to their individual qualities,” Armitage said.
Socially disadvantaged applicants can be women, African Americans, American Indians, Asian and Pacific Islanders and Alaskan natives.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet credit requirements, have sufficient education, training or experience in managing or operating a farm and be unable to obtain credit elsewhere. The funds can be used to purchase livestock, equipment, feed, seed or used for other business-related expenses. Ownership loans may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm, construct or improve buildings, promote soil and water conservation and pay closing costs.
For more information on the program, contact the local Farm Service Agency at the county USDA Service Center. The Lyon-Chase Farm Service agency can be reached at (620) 343-2812. For more information see www.fsa.usda.gov/ks.