USDA targets loans for women and minority farmers

Dale Dugan Jr., Farm Loan Manager for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Nicholas, Webster, Fayette, Raleigh and Wyoming counties has announced that women and minority farmers interested in buying and operating family-sized farms may be eligible for loans from FSA.

"The Farm Service Agency is interested in promoting greater involvement in farming and ranching by women and minorities," said Farm Loan Manager Dale Dugan. "Each year, we reserve a portion of our farm loan funds especially for socially disadvantaged applicants." 

The loans available to women and minorities are the same as those for other borrowers, as are the eligibility requirements.  Applicants must be primarily and directly engaged in farming and ranching on family-size operations.

A socially disadvantaged applicant is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of his or her identity as members of the group without regard to his or her individual qualities. For purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups are women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  In addition to being members of a socially disadvantaged group, applicants under this program must meet all requirements for FSA's regular farm loan program assistance.

Farm ownership loan funds may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, purchase easements or rights-of-way needed in the farm's operation, build or improve buildings such as a dwelling or barn, promote soil and water conservation and development and pay closing costs.

Farm operating loan funds may be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm equipment, fertilizer and other materials necessary to operate a successful farm. Operating loan funds can also be used for family living expenses, refinancing debts under certain conditions, paying salaries for hired farm laborers, installing or improving water systems for home, livestock, or irrigation use and other similar improvements.

Contact the local Farm Service Agency county office located at 179 Northridge Drive, Lewisburg or call 1-304-645-6172 ext 2 to obtain detailed information about the Socially Disadvantaged Applicant loan program.  You may also access information on all FSA programs at www.fsa.usda.gov

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, political beliefs, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.    (Not all prohibited basis apply to all programs).   Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communications of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:   USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.