Supporters

Spotlight on…Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is an agency of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its mission is to stabilize farm income, help farmers conserve land and water resources,
provide credit to disadvantaged and new farmers and help farm operations recover from the effects of disaster. Its roots go back to the 1930s.

FSA strives to enhance the ability of small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged beginning family farmers/ranchers to operate successfully. FSA's farm programs are delivered through a grassroots system of over 2500 field offices and a network of locally elected committees that are responsible for overseeing FSA services delivered to the farming community.

Each year, a certain amount of FSA loan funds in each state are targeted for beginning farmers. Beginning farmers are encouraged to contact their FSA offices to learn about FSA loan programs. Knowledgeable staff will answer questions and assist with the simplified application process.

FSA provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources.
- Direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans (FO)
- Direct and guaranteed operating loans (OL)
These loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies. FSA loans can also be used to construct buildings or make farm improvements
- Down payment farm ownership loans
These loans assist beginning farmers and ranchers to purchase a farm or ranch. This program also provides a means for retiring farmers and ranchers to transfer their land to a future generation.

Other FSA programs of interest to beginning farmers include crop insurance and disaster programs, grassland reserve and conservation reserve programs and others.

For more information or to apply for a loan, click on your state below.
USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY OF CT
USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY OF RI

You may also find your local FSA office in the telephone directory under U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. Or try searching the GNF Directory for information about state offices and programs.

The National FSA website is www.fsa.usda.gov.