OUR HISTORY

Throughout history, the agricultural industry has been among the most productive in the nation. To help themselves, farmers began organizing agricultural cooperatives as early as the 1800's. Today's Farm Credit traces its' roots back to these humble beginnings. Congress established the Farm Credit System in 1916 to meet the special needs of rural America and agriculture. In 1917, farmers in South Florida began forming small cooperative associations known as Federal Land Bank Associations to obtain loans for land and improvements. By the mid 1920s congress had expanded the system's authorities to provide for operating credit through Production Credit Associations. Over the years these associations have evolved into what is today Farm Credit of South Florida, ACA (Agricultural Credit Association). The ACA is a holding company that administers the activities of our Land Bank and Production Credit delivery entities.

Today, Farm Credit of South Florida, ACA as part of a national network of farmer-owned lending institutions, provides funds and support services to over 800 member owners. Ninety years in the making, the Farm Credit System provides more than $86 billion in loans to more than half a million borrowers. Unlike commercial banks, which primarily raise funds through federally insured deposits, the Farm Credit System raises money in the world capital markets and loans it to rural America. Farm Credit is positioned to effectively and dependably serve Florida agriculture well into the 21st Century.

Just like commercial banks, we too are owned by private investors. However, as a cooperative our investors are the farmers, ranchers and rural residents who use our services. Unlike commercial banks who pay dividends to their Wall Street investors, Farm Credit returns its profits to its members in the form of patronage refunds.