Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.
Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with interest rates and terms to help eligible farmers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding other natural disasters or quarantine. 
Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2023 are as follows:
- Farm Operating Loans(Direct): 4.500%
- Farm Ownership Loans(Direct): 4.875%
- Farm Ownership Loans(Direct, Joint Financing): 2.875%
- Farm Ownership Loans(Down Payment): 1.500%
- Emergency Loan(Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%
FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. 
To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.
Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low. Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.
- Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 6.125%
- Farm Storage Facility Loans:
- o Three-year loan terms: 4.125%
- o Five-year loan terms: 3.875%
- o Seven-year loan terms: 3.750%
- o Ten-year loan terms: 3.750%
- o Twelve-year loan terms: 3.750%
- Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.000%
Simplified Direct Loan Application
FSA developed a new, simplified direct loan application for producers seeking a direct farm loan. The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application. Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or a traditional paper application for submission to their local FSA service center.
Disaster Support
FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the past year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters, that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.
For more information, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance.
