OXFORD – David Lavway, state executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency, announced that women and minority farmers interested in buying and operating family-sized farms may be eligible for FSA loans.

The loans available to women and minorities are the same as those for other borrowers, as are the eligibility requirements.

For purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups are women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Contact the local Farm Service Agency county office or USDA Service Center for detailed information about the Socially Disadvantaged Applicant loan program.