The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a farmer-facing agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  FSA is dedicated to equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective and efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.  Furthermore, FSA is a customer-driven agency with a diverse and multi-talented work force that is dedicated to achieving an economically and environmentally sound future for American Agriculture.  There are over 2100 County Offices nationwide with Kentucky having 64 County Offices and 16 Farm Loan Teams located across the state.  To find your local FSA County Office, click here.

FSA administers Farm Programs and Farm Loan Programs.  Within Farm Programs there are opportunities for producers to participate in safety-net, conservation, commodity, price support, and various other programs.  FSA is known as the lender of first opportunity thus offering low interest loans to farmers and ranchers.  Farm Loan Programs include but are not limited to farm ownership, operating, microloans, youth loans, beginning farmer down payment, and guaranteed loans.     

USDA places special emphasis on Beginning Farmers, Veterans, Women, Minorities, and Youth in agriculture.  FSA offers incentives, priorities, and targeted funding for individuals within these special groups.  By the year 2050 it’s anticipated that our ever-growing population will increase by 70%, therefore, it’s important that we increase the number of farmers and ranchers across the country.  USDA Leadership is hopeful that offering incentives and priorities to individuals within these special groups will encourage them to become involved in farming as they are very much needed and are the future of agriculture. 

To hear more from the Farm Service Agency, join us for our Growing Your Farm and Food Business Webinar series every Thursday, beginning October 8 through November 5. Webinars will take place from 10:00am to 11:30am Eastern/9:00am to 10:30am Central and will be available for later viewing. For more information and to register, click the link here.