The Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports farmers through conservation support, emergency assistance, and loan programs. In recent years, FSA has expanded their programs to better meet the needs of specialty and non-commodity crop farmers. Officials from the Illinois state FSA office will be presenting a three-hour workshop, walking attendees through programs designed to assist farmers with access to operating credit, real estate financing, conservation support programs, and disaster relief. Attendees will learn about eligibility and preferential funding groups such as beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. The workshop will conclude with a panel of farmers describing their experiences with the loan application process and how access to FSA funding has improved their businesses.

Attendees of this workshop will be the first to receive The Land Connection’s new printed guide to FSA programs for specialty and non-commodity crop farmers.