U.S. Department of Agriculture microloans are now available to buy and improve farmland, said Henry English, head of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Previously, microloans were only available for operating costs. Many small farmers and ranchers report that access to land is a major problem, and this should ease that, English said.
Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency. Details: Contact the local FSA office.