Contact: Roxanne.Boisse@ri.usda.gov

New and beginning farmers and ranchers in Rhode Island now have an agricultural Microloan credit option to consider. As of Jan. 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer its customers a Microloan designed to help farmers and ranchers with credit needs of $35,000 or less. The loan features a streamlined application and a simplified qualification process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

“This innovative offering will be more customer-friendly than our larger, more traditional loan programs,” said Roxanne Boisse, Farm Loan Manager. “Farms and ranches seeking a smaller loan for start-up or operational needs now have a great new tool to consider.”

“For those selling at Farmers’ Markets or through community-supported agriculture operations (CSAs), a Microloan might serve their needs perfectly,” Boisse continued.” “And the reduced paperwork associated with the new Microloan will help expedite the process for everyone.”

In 2012, the Farm Service Agency provided $6 million in farm loan assistance to agricultural producers of all sizes in Rhode Island. That year, operating loans accounted for the majority of the loans extended

“The interest rate of 1.25 percent on the new FSA Microloan is also a great benefit for farmers and ranchers who are just starting out, in need of capital and on a tight budget,” according to FLM Boisse. “Producers in every Rhode Island County can contact their nearest FSA office for details and to determine if they qualify for a Microloan.” The Microloan term can be up to seven years.

In response to tighter financial markets, USDA has expanded the availability of farm credit, helping farmers refinance loans across the U.S. Since 2009, USDA has provided more than 128,000 loans to family farmers totaling more than $18 billion. Over 50 percent of the loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

For more information on Microloans and other FSA programs, please contact your local USDA service center.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).