The United States Department of Agriculture is reminding people in Indiana County that their Farm Service Agency has funding that has been set aside for targeted under-served group and beginning farmer loans.
In a statement, Cara Zomcik, the farm loan manager for the USDA Farm Service Office that serves both Indiana and Westmoreland Counties that these loan programs are designed to help farmers purchase and operate family farms. The USDA defines a targeted underserved farmer as “one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their individual qualities.” That includes women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and others.
Farm ownership and farm operating loans can be applied for, with ownership loan funds to be used to purchase or enlarge a farm, purchase easements or rights of way, build or improve buildings and other related costs. Operating loans can be used for the purchase of livestock, poultry, equipment, feed, seed and other items.
Applicants do have to meet eligibility requirements. Interested individuals can call the Indiana County Farm Service Office at 724-463-8547 extension 2.
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