USDA Farm Service Agency
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Farm Service Agency offers multiple lending options for farmers unable to obtain financing from other sources. Rates are typically low and are short term. Applications are submitted through a local FSA office.
To find a local agency, visit fsa.usda.gov/state-offices.
Additional Sources of Funding Information
| Types of loans available | Description |
| Direct Farm Loans | Available to help start, purchase, or expand a farming operation. |
| Farm Ownership Loans | Financing to purchase or expand an existing farm; can also be used for soil and water conservation efforts |
| Guaranteed Farm Loans | Guaranteed loans provided by commercial lenders, banks, farm credit institutions. |
| Farm Operating Loans | Operating loans can be used to purchase livestock, seed, or equipment, as well as for property improvements and refinancing. |
| Down Payment Program | Financing option for the purchase of a farm. The program is aimed at socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers. |
| Youth Loans | Up to $5,000, Youth Loans are available to assist youth in exploring experience and education in farming. |
| Emergency Loans | This funding is accessible in response to emergencies including natural disasters. The farmer must have experienced a 30% loss in income from a single farm business. |
| Conservation Loans | Available to farmers who want to improve conservation methods on their farm. |
| Loans for Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers | For farmers who have experienced difficulty obtaining financing. Several different types of loan programs are available through this program. |
| Land Contract Guarantees | For socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers, the program offers guarantees for land sold under land contract. |
Funding Focuses On
Creating more equitable and just food systems through increasing access to land and food sovereignty.
FSA can often help farmers obtain the credit they seek in the absence of conventional credit. FSA also has targeted funding for youth, minority and women farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers. Visit the following websites to learn more about various loans offered by FSA.
- Microloans
- Farm Ownership Loans
- Operating Loans
- Underserved and Beginning Farmers Loans
- Native Tribal Loans
Funding Limit
$600,000
Qualifications
Applicants must own or operate an eligible farm enterprise and meet all general eligibility requirements specified for each loan program. Applicants must also have U.S. citizenship and a satisfactory credit score. Additionally, farmers cannot have any outstanding judgements or have received debt forgiveness from FSA in the past.
Financing Geographic Area
United States