In California last year, 39.7 percent of Farm Service Agency (FSA)-approved loans went to socially disadvantaged borrowers, state FSA director Val Dolcini told the Western Farm Press. FSA California loaned more than $117 million in 2010, $46.7 million of which went to minorities who applied and were approved for direct and guaranteed loans.
A socially disadvantaged (SDA) agricultural producer, as defined by FSA, is a farmer or rancher who belongs to a racial, ethnic or gender group that has been prejudiced and whose individual aptitudes, as a result, have not been been given consideration, the news source reports.
"With these loan and assistance programs, FSA hopes to help reverse the declining number of farmers and ranchers across the United States and especially here in California," Dolcini told the news source. "These loans help to encourage and assist individuals to become owner / operators of their own farms and ranches, to participate in agricultural programs and to become integral members of the agricultural community."
John Deere dealerships supply individuals and companies with harvesting equipment, such as combines, as well as new and used construction equipment, such as the 313 Skid Steer. This product, according to Deere's website, features heavy duty drive chains that do not need to be adjusted.
FSA's California operations fund minority farmers
Farm Service Agency funds minorities' agricultural projects in California.