Struggling farmers to receive additional FSA funding

Additional funding for struggling farmers was announced by U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini on Sept. 2.

This funding will assist more than 1,900 farmers who have already been approved and are awaiting FSA direct operating loans.

“Farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with the effects of a declining farm economy,” said Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU). “Access to low-interest operating credit is necessary to keep struggling producers in the business of feeding Americans. Today’s announcement that Congress and USDA have worked together to reprogram up to $185 million in additional direct operating loan funds is greatly appreciated; however, this additional funding will only alleviate approximately 30 percent of FSA’s projected shortfall of funds before the next fiscal year.”

Johnson thanked members of Congress and the USDA for working with the NFU to achieve more funding for farmers and producers across America, and reminded them there is work to be done to get through the backlog of FSA loan applicants.

“NFU remains committed to working with Congress and USDA to identify solutions that provide meaningful relief to producers in need. NFU members will be in Washington during the September session urging members of Congress to use the month to address the additional credit needs of struggling producers.”