Small Farm Fund Finder
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FederalRolling / continuousLoan / creditNationwide

FSA Down Payment Farm Ownership Loan

USDA Farm Service Agency

Low-interest down payment financing for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers buying their first farm, paired with a commercial or seller-financed loan.

Typical award
Up to 45% of purchase price, max $300,150; 1.5% interest, 20-year term
Deadline
Rolling — apply any time at your county FSA office
Type of support
Loans & credit · Credit & capital
Who can apply
Beginning / underserved, Individual producer, Tribal
Fits these operations
Vegetables & produce, Cut flowers, Orchard & fruit, Mixed / diversified, Value-added & food business, Urban farm

Am I eligible?

  • Beginning farmer or rancher (generally less than 10 years operating)
  • Veteran or socially disadvantaged farmer status qualifies
  • Must provide at least 5% down payment from own funds

How to apply

  1. 1Confirm beginning/qualifying farmer status with FSA
  2. 2Identify farm to purchase and secure complementary financing
  3. 3Submit FSA farm ownership application and purchase agreement
  4. 4Complete appraisal and closing process

What you'll need

  • FSA farm ownership application
  • Purchase agreement and farm appraisal
  • 3 years of tax returns and financial statements
  • Proof of qualifying farmer status

Timeline & contact

60–90 days from complete application to closing
Get help: Local FSA county office

Ready to apply?

Applications go through USDA Farm Service Agency, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.

Open official page

This listing was last hand-checked August 2026.

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