LEWISTON – Jane Harden, county executive director at USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Androscoggin County, has reminded farmers and ranchers that the agency can help with their farm storage needs with a farm storage facility loan.

“At a time when commercial storage facilities are at maximum capacity and charging premium rates nationwide, on-farm storage provides producers with an attractive alternative,” said Harden. The agency offers seven-year, low-interest loans to producers to build new or upgrade existing storage facilities and related essential, permanently affixed drying or handling equipment.

According to Harden, marketing flexibility is the primary benefit gained from on-farm storage facilities.

“Privately owned facilities give producers control over where and when they sell their crops, increasing their odds of receiving the best price for their crop,” said Harden. Farm storage facility loans must be approved prior to site preparation, equipment purchase or construction, and must be secured by a promissory note and security agreement.

For applicant and facility eligibility criteria or to schedule an appointment to file an application, contact the Androscoggin/Sagadahoc County office at 753-9400, ext. 2, or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.