The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its recent announcement of crucial updates to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, set to take effect on September 25, 2024.

Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of NAAF and proud member of the USDA Equity Commission, emphasized the monumental impact of these efforts, stating, “These long-awaited changes represent a significant step forward for agricultural producers. The culmination of decades of advocacy, the leadership of this administration has made it possible for these essential updates to come to fruition. For those who have faced challenges due to outdated rules and barriers, the improvements in FSA over the past three years have paved the way for a more promising future for all. We are grateful for the dedication of both appointed and career staff who have worked tirelessly to enhance the USDA for the benefit of every producer.”

The recent adjustments to FSA’s Farm Loan Programs will enhance financial freedom, resilience, and profitability for agricultural producers, with a particular focus on supporting Tribal producers. These changes aim to improve access to credit, streamline processes, increase flexibility, foster sustainability, and eliminate obstacles hindering producers in Indian Country.

Specific benefits for Tribal producers include revised definitions of key terms, clarification of interest rates, the introduction of a new Distressed Borrower Set-Aside (DBSA) Program, and the implementation of more flexible repayment terms. These modifications are designed to empower producers, including those in Indian Country, to flourish on their lands and sustainably produce food and fiber for generations to come.

Stay informed, NAAF will be announcing a webinar opportunity for Native producers to ask questions about the latest impact of these changes and evaluate what will be needed from the producer perspective for the implementation of these new program changes. 

Those interested in sharing their thoughts on the rule have a 60-day window from the publication in the Federal Register to submit comments online at www.regulations.gov under docket ID FSA-2023-0003.

The information on the final rule can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/08/2024-16828/enhancing-program-access-and-delivery-for-farm-loans

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About the Native American Agriculture Fund:

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) provides grants to eligible organizations for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers. The charitable trust was created by the settlement of the landmark Keepseagle v. Vilsack class-action lawsuit. NAAF is the largest philanthropic organization devoted solely to serving the Native American farming and ranching community.