FarmStart

FarmStart is a lending program designed specifically for startup farmers and cooperatives. Young farmers and cooperatives typically encounter barriers to finding the capital they need to get started, grow, or expand. Because they often lack a business track record or credit history, new agricultural businesses often have very few sources of working capital during their beginning production cycles. That's why FarmStart was created. FarmStart invests up to $50,000 in beginning agricultural enterprises, which is expected to be repaid within five years. After five years, FarmStart businesses should be positioned to graduate into a conventional line of credit with Farm Credit East, FSA, or a commercial bank. More than just a source of capital, FarmStart participants receive substantial coaching and mentoring during their first few years.