FSA Loan Programs

Programs for Small & Non-Traditional Producers

What are your needs and what do you need to do? When you need a loan program, FSA has flexible options designed for operations like yours.

$50,000
Max micro loan — simplified paperwork & relaxed requirements
$2.3M+
Max guaranteed loan amount for larger operations

Quick Guide

Direct vs. Guaranteed Loans

DIRECT LOANS

FSA Is Your Lender

Funded & serviced directly by FSA using congressional appropriations. Apply at your local FSA office. Ideal for beginning farmers, those with setbacks, or smaller operations needing hands-on support and credit counseling.

Farm Ownership Max: $600,000

Farm Operating Max: $400,000

Application: Local FSA office  ·  Focus: Those unable to get credit elsewhere

GUARANTEED LOANS

Commercial Lender + FSA Backing

Made and serviced by commercial lenders (banks, credit unions, Farm Credit). FSA provides a guarantee up to 95% against loss. Apply through an approved lender. Larger amounts for farmers closer to commercial credit.

Farm Ownership Max: $2.3M+

Farm Operating Max: $2.2M+

Application: Commercial lender  ·  Focus: Bridge to commercial lending

Micro Loan Programs

Small-Scale & Specialty Farm Funding

Excellent for small producers, beginning farmers, and niche/non-traditional operations — hydroponics, direct marketing, CSAs, organic, small livestock. Simplified paperwork. Max: $50,000. No minimum.

Provides financing for on-farm storage infrastructure — grain bins, hay storage, refrigerated units, and other post-harvest storage needs. Ideal for small operations looking to reduce post-harvest losses and improve marketability.

Covers livestock, equipment, feed, seed, supplies, fencing, hoop houses, and other operating costs. Perfect for day-to-day farm operations and season startup expenses. Flexible and fast.

Assists with land purchase or down payment, buildings, and farm improvements. Helps small-scale producers take their first step toward land ownership without the full standard loan process.

Set aside for disaster-related losses affecting small operations. Provides quick access to funds when natural or other qualifying disasters impact your farm’s viability.

Larger Loan Programs

Full-Scale Farm Loans

Operating Loans

Flexible funds for operation costs associated with farming operations.

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Ownership Loans

Helps producers enlarge, improve, or purchase their farm or ranch.

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Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL)

Financing for on-farm storage infrastructure to preserve and protect your harvest.

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Emergency Loans

Loans set aside for emergency disasters that result in farm losses.

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Youth Loan

Makes loans available for youth between the ages of 10–20 for agricultural projects.

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Land Contract Guarantee

Prompt Payment: FSA guarantee to lending institutions so producers can build relationships.

Standard: Financial guarantee from FSA for lending institutions.

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Direct Down Payment

Assists beginning farmers in acquiring land and retiring farmers in transferring their land.

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Requirements

General Eligibility Requirements

U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified legal resident alien

Demonstrate acceptable credit history — no recent major issues

Unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere (commercial sources)

No federal debt delinquency or disqualifying crop insurance violations

Education, training, or experience in farm management with reasonable repayment expectation

Family-size farm; applicant must substantially participate in the operation

Preferences available for beginning farmers (≤10 years experience), socially disadvantaged applicants, and veterans.

Resources

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Quick guide to commonly referred-to agencies

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Quick Agency Guide

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Success Stories

Real results with FSA programs from real producers

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Featured community outreach

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