The Maine State Farm Service Agency has funds available for socially disadvantaged individuals who want to purchase or operate a family-size farm in fiscal year 2011. 

In fiscal 2010, which ended Sept. 30, Maine Farm Loan Programs made 37 so-called SDA loans to socially disadvantaged individuals totaling more than $3.3 million.

“An SDA farmer, rancher or agricultural producer is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender inequality without regard to their individual qualities,” including women, African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Alaskan Natives, according to Michael A. Dennison, FSA Farm Loan Program manager.

The SDA program provides direct and guaranteed assistance in the form of farm operating and farm ownership loans.  Direct loans are made to applicants from FSA. Guaranteed loans are issued by lending institutions, but typically 90 percent of the loan is guaranteed by FSA.

Operating loans may be used to purchase livestock, equipment, feed, seed and other business-related expenses, including construction and building improvements. 

For more information about loan availability in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc and York counties, call the FSA loan office at 753-9400, ext. 2.