Programs for Young, Beginning, Small,
and Minority Borrowers

Although the association is a cooperative which serves only our members, membership is open to almost everyone who wants to farm. In addition to serving our existing members, Farm Credit has a Public Purpose of improving the economic well being of rural America. The cornerstone of this Public Purpose is that we serve all of agriculture, including young, small, beginning and minority farming operations.

The national average age of farmers is almost 55 with over 30 percent of all farmers between the ages of 55 and 69. Farm Credit realizes the future of farming lies with the next generation who will take over operations of aging family members who will purchase the operations of retiring farmers. We aggressively seek out and meet the needs of these young farmers. We work closely with the USDA to match our products with their programs for the beginning and disadvantaged farmer.

In South Florida, the minority population is growing much more rapidly than in other parts of the country. Communicating with and understanding the special needs of Hispanic and other non-English speaking customers is a top priority of the association. We have expanded our bi-lingual staff and can now meet the needs of our customers in three different languages. We work closely with state, county, and federal agencies and other minority farmers to locate and serve this very important segment of agriculture in South Florida.

While many young and beginning farmers start small operations with the intention of becoming large, there are many who need to supplement their non-farm income and some who seek the rural lifestyle of a small farm. We serve farmers of any size even if they are part-time or lifestyle farmers. We consider any agricultural business that generates farm income of less than $250,000 per year a "small" farm. To more efficiently serve this important segment of our portfolio, we have developed simplified lending products to streamline the application process.

Finally, we have found that the insurance and risk management needs of all these groups were not being met. Private insurance agents found many operations too small or language barriers too great to fully serve many of our members. In 2002 we began offering crop insurance to our members and we now have a fully trained and licensed staff to meet the crop insurance needs of all our members, regardless of their size or farming history.

If you are a small, beginning, young, or minority farmer and would like to learn more about our programs, contact the branch office nearest you.

Whether you are just thinking about starting your own agri-business, buying an existing one, or stepping up to run the family business, you need accurate information to help you make sound financial decisions. You’re not alone, millions of small businesses contribute every day to keeping America’s economy strong. Find out what you need to know to keep your business strong by making sound financial decisions. Visit the 360 Financial Literacy site. You will find information for all aspects of managing business planning basics. Everything from advertising to retirement plans, to tax planning, transferring a business, insurance and raising capital. Be sure to check out the “Feed the Pig” section which features free financial information and tools to empower 25-34 year olds to take charge of their personal finances and live within their means.