The Farm Service Agency (FSA) developed the Microloan (ML) program to better serve the unique financial operating needs of beginning, niche and the smallest of family farm operations. The program offers flexible access to credit and serves as an attractive loan alternative for smaller farming operations like specialty crop producers and operators of community supported agriculture (CSA). These smaller farms, including non-traditional farm operations, often face limited financing options. Eligible applicants may obtain a microloan for up to $35,000. The repayment term varies but does not exceed seven years.
Microloans can be used for a variety of expenses including: initial start-up expenses; seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents; marketing and distribution; family living; purchase of livestock, equipment, and other materials essential to farm operations; minor farm improvements such as wells and coolers; hoop houses; irrigatation and delivery vehicles.
