U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas Farm Service Agency

PO Box 2900

College Station, Texas - 77841

(COLLEGE STATION, TX), February 26, 2013 -USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Chief, Eddie Trevino, announced that FSA is partnering with The University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) to host a Microloan workshop in Harlingen and Edinburg on Friday, March 8, 2013. The workshops will focus on FSA's new Microloan Program as well as the Hispanic and Women Farmer and Rancher Claims Process.

The workshop in Harlingen is from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Texas State Technical College in the University Center Building located at 1902 Texas 499 Loop in Harlingen.

The workshop in Edinburg is from 6:00 - 9:00 PM in the UTPA Community Engagement and Student Success Building located at 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive in Edinburg.

These workshops will cover the Microloan program that expands access to credit for small farmers and ranchers, beginning and socially disadvantaged producers and military veterans who seek to begin, enhance or expand agricultural operations. Microloans feature a simpler application process and require less paperwork than traditional operating loans. This loan program is useful to specialty crop producers and operators of community supported agriculture (CSA). Eligible applicants can apply for a maximum loan amount of $35,000.

Microloan funds can be used for initial start-up expenses such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, essential tools, irrigation, delivery vehicles, and annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing, and distribution expenses.

"Unfortunately, small farmers often have no other option but to rely on credit cards and personal loans that carry high interest rates to finance their agricultural operations," said Trevino. "The new Microloan program will serve as a valuable alternative because of the low interest rates and flexible application process. I strongly encourage all producers who are considering applying for an FSA farm loan to make plans to attend either of the two workshops."

The workshops will also include a discussion on the Hispanic and Women Farmer and Rancher Claims process. The deadline to submit a claims packet is March 25, 2013.

For more information about the workshop, please contact Eddie Trevino at (979) 680-5220. Participants can register for the workshop by emailing RuralDevelopment@utpa.edu or calling 956-665-3118.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.