USDA holds farm loan informational meeting

TIFTON, Ga. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides valuable insight about loans catered to farmers in their informative session.

The USDA Farm Service Agency shared crucial details about federal capital assistance programs tailored to support the establishment, expansion, and enhancement of agricultural operations.

“The United States Department of Agriculture is a federal agency. We have entities all across this world, and obviously right here in the United States. But, our goal at the end of the day is to make sure that the farmer, the American farmer, has the programs and resources that they need to succeed,” said Arthur Tripp, Jr., Georgia State Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency.

Three distinct informational sessions are being held across southeast Georgia, spanning Eastman, Douglas, and Jesup.

USDA Farm Service Agency Georgia State Executive Director, Arthur Tripp, gives insight how the organization helps farmers navigate the ever changing landscape of the industry.

“Well, farming is incredibly risky and it’s unpredictable. And, so, that’s why the federal government, our agency, the Farm Service Agency, we have a whole host of programs and resources; for example, say disaster strikes through no fault of our own, through no fault of our American farmer. We have programs that are there to help support, but also we have loans that are available, low interest rate loans, to ensure that there is capital available for our farmers to continue to thrive,” said Tripp.

This initiative is a testament to the agency’s commitment to equipping farmers with the essential resources to start, grow, or improve their agricultural enterprises.

Arthur Tripp further emphasizes the importance of maintaining support for farmers as he discusses the pivotal role they play in sustaining agriculture and ensuring food security.

“Since 2017, we have lost seven and a half percent of our farmers here in the state of Georgia. That’s seven and a half percent of our farms that we have lost since 2017. And, so, it’s very important that we’re continuing to do all that we can to support the American farmer at the end of the day. Food security is national security. And, so, we’re working very hard to meet our farmers, our agriculture community, where they are, to make sure the resources are there to support,” said Tripp.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

Copyright 2024 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.