The USDA’s Farm Service Agency serving Indiana and Westmoreland Counties has announced that funding has been reserved specifically for use by targeted under served groups and beginning farmer loans.
The goals of the loans are to reverse the decline in farmers and ranchers in the country and in our neck of the woods. The targeted under served groups are defined by the USDA as a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because they identify as members of the group without regard to their individual qualities.
Direct loans are made to applicants by the Farm Service Agency, which includes both farm operating loans and farm ownership loans. Ownership loans can be used for purchasing or enlarging a farm, purchase easements or rights of way, build or improve buildings and other related costs. Operating loans can be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm and home equipment, food, clothing, labor and other elements.
Applicants can call up the local FSA office at 724-463-8547 extension 3329.
