USDA makes loans to producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities. Since the beginning of the program, Virginia FSA has extended low interest credit in the amount of nearly $5 million dollars.

Loans are made for on-farm facilities for commodities produced on the farm. In addition to loans for grain bins, FSA lends for construction of and upgrades to hay storage structures, renewable biomass storage, and cold storage equipment and structures for fruits and vegetables.

The maximum loan amount is 85% of the net cost, up to $500-thousand. Loan terms of 7, 10, or 12 years are available, and dependent on the loan amount.

Interest rates for April, 2013 are:

To apply for a Farm Storage Facility Loan, or for more information visit your local FSA Service Center.

Questions? Call Rick Thomas, the Virginia FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan Specialist. Rick's phone number is (804)-287-1541; or e-mail (richard.thomas@va.usda.gov).

October 22, 2012, marked the beginning of sign-up for the 2011 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE).

Covered losses must be due to natural disasters and must have occurred during the 2011 crop year, on or before September 30, 2011. All crops of economic significance, with the exception of grazed forages, must have been covered either through a federal crop insurance company (FCIC) or through the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) offered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Eligible farmers and ranchers who meet the definition of socially disadvantaged, limited resource, or beginning farmer or rancher are exempt from the risk management purchase requirement.

For producers that farm in a county that was designated as a primary or contiguous disaster county by the US Secretary of Agriculture, a 10% loss must have occurred on a crop of economic significance in order to meet the minimum eligible loss requirements. Those producers that do not farm in a primary or contiguous disaster county must meet the same requirement, as well as a 50% or greater overall production loss on the farm.

Sign-up for the 2011 SURE program is scheduled to conclude on June 7, 2013. If you have any questions, please contact your local FSA County Office.

Currently, Congress is working through the process for putting together a new Farm Bill. The Farm Bill defines the programs offered by FSA.

Check with your local FSA office for details on the status of new and coming programs.

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