FSA Direct Operating LoanLoan

FSA · Maine

Program Overview

Operating loans for farmers who can't get commercial credit. Covers feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, equipment, and other farm expenses.

Program Details

Value Range Up to $400,000

Deadline Rolling — apply anytime

Where to Apply Your local FSA office

Complexity High — 13-page application + business plan + financial statements

Required Documents

Photo ID
3 years tax returns
Balance sheet
Cash flow projection
Proof of inability to get commercial credit

Forms

FSA-2001 (Direct Loan Application)
FSA-2037 (Farming Experience)
FSA-2038 (Business Plan)

Priority Advantages

The following groups may receive priority consideration for this program:

Beginning Farmer: higher payment rates, dedicated set-asides, fee waivers
Veteran: priority scoring in applications
Socially Disadvantaged: priority scoring, dedicated set-asides

Pro Tip: FSA is the lender of last resort. If your bank turned you down, FSA may say yes. Beginning farmers have dedicated set-asides.

Recent Awards in Maine

Redacted Due To Pii
$609,457 · Market Access Program

Department Of Marine Resources Maine
$265,731 · Watershed Protection And Flood Prevention

Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Maine Department Of
$218,020 · State & Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Assistance

Seaweed Cultivation Center Inc
$173,763 · Small Business Innovation Research (Sbir) Program / Small Business Technology Transfer (Sttr) Program

Your Local FSA Office

FSA Androscoggin/Sagadahoc County Farm Service Agency
254 Goddard Rd, Lewiston, ME 04240-1000
(207) 753-9400

Find more offices in Maine →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may qualify for FSA in Maine?

Operating loans for farmers who can't get commercial credit. Covers feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, equipment, and other farm expenses. Contact your local FSA office in Maine for specific eligibility requirements.

How much does FSA pay?

Value range: Up to $400,000. Actual amounts depend on your specific situation, crops, and acreage.

When is the FSA deadline?

Rolling — apply anytime. Contact your local FSA office for the most current dates.

How do I apply for FSA in Maine?

Apply at Your local FSA office. Required forms: FSA-2001 (Direct Loan Application), FSA-2037 (Farming Experience), FSA-2038 (Business Plan).

Related Programs in Maine

ARC-CO (Agriculture Risk Coverage — County)Subsidy

FSA · Annual election, typically March 15

PLC (Price Loss Coverage)Subsidy

FSA · Annual election, typically March 15

CRP (Conservation Reserve Program)Subsidy

FSA · General signup has periodic windows; Continuous CRP is always open for priority practices

NAP (Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance)Subsidy

FSA · Application deadlines vary by crop, typically before planting

DMC (Dairy Margin Coverage)Subsidy

FSA · Annual enrollment, typically opens in fall for next year

Learn More at USDA →

Program information sourced from USDA. Eligibility described here is general guidance only. Confirm at your local FSA or NRCS office. FarmGrant is not affiliated with USDA.