Farm Microloans

What is this program?

The Farm Service Agency offers loans to help farmers and ranchers get the financing they need to start, expand, or maintain a family farm.

Managing USDA Agency	Type of Assistance	Who Should Apply	Learn More
Farm Service Agency (FSA)	Loans up to a combined maximum of $100,000	Beginning farmers and farmers with smaller operations	Visit

How can I use this program?

Microloans are available for both direct farm ownership and direct operating loans and provide flexible access to credit for small farming operations, including specialty, niche, and local food producers. The Microloan Program includes a simplified loan application process and minimal paperwork. It provides additional flexibility in certain loan eligibility requirements, reduces documentation requirements, and streamlines financial planning for small operations.

Who or what is eligible and what are the eligibility requirements?

Applicant must:

Not be larger than a family-sized farmer

Have a satisfactory history of meeting credit obligations

Have inability to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms

Meet all other loan eligibility requirements
Have three years of farm experience out of the last 10- one of the years can be substituted for post-secondary education, business management, military leadership/management, or repayment of a FSA Youth Loan

Are there any deadlines?

No. You should begin the application process a few months in advance of needing the funds to allow time for the request to be processed and for any security checks.

Is there anything else I should know?

Applicants can apply for microloans totaling a combined maximum of $100,000:
- Up to $50,000 for a farm ownership loan
- Up to $50,000 for an operating loan
Repayment Terms:
- Operating microloans: repayment term may vary and will not exceed seven years; annual operating loans are repaid within 12 months or when the agricultural commodities produced are sold
- Ownership microloans: repayment term may vary and will not exceed 25 years
Interest rates are based on regular FSA operating loan rates and farm ownership rates at the time of approval or closing, whichever is less
See FSA Operating Loan Program and FSA Farm Ownership Loan Program for full list of approved expenses

How do I apply?

Use the Loan Assistance Tool to check your eligibility for FSA Loans, discover FSA loan types, learn about FSA Loan requirements, and walk through the easy-to-understand instructions when completing the forms.
Apply at your local USDA Service Center