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The Farm Service Agency (FSA), a public agency of the USDA, holds about 20% of all farm debt in the US. Many farmers and ranchers unable to obtain loans from private commercial lenders — especially small farm businesses and young, beginning, and historically underserved farmers — depend on fair and equitable access to FSA loans to buy seeds, livestock, equipment and more.
All farmers deserve fair treatment at FSA, but unfortunately, this has not always been the case. Farmers can encounter obstacles and delays as they seek loans, and often have to put up their homes as collateral in order to have their loans approved. FSA staff have many discretionary tools at their disposal to deny and delay loan applications, which opens up the opportunity for discriminatory treatment as well.
The Fair Credit for Farmers Act significantly improves credit services offered by the FSA, strengthens farmer-borrower rights, and helps to prevent predatory and discriminatory lending practices. Strong FSA credit opportunities help farm businesses thrive and revitalize rural communities across America. Click here to read a bill summary, and read some of the farmer stories collected by RAFI that inspired this bill.
Ask your legislators to support the Fair Credit for Farmers Act in the Farm Bill! We encourage you to try out the calling function as the most powerful way to make an impact with your legislators - don't worry, we've made it easy.
Farmers’ experiences at FSA - and their financial wellbeing - should not depend on the attitude of the person sitting in the county office. You, and Congress, can help!
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