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DACF advisory board reviews survey of 178 businesses, eyes $500,000 pilot for low-interest loans and targeted TA
Summary
Department staff and advisory board members reviewed surveys of 178 farm/food/forest businesses and 57 capital/TA providers. Key takeaways: demand for low- or no-interest loans, simplified application processes, and targeted technical assistance for small and underserved operations.
The Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Department of convened its advisory board to review survey findings intended to shape a new fund for farm, food and forest businesses, highlighting demand for low- or no-interest financing, simpler application processes and tailored technical assistance.
Department staff member Jody summarized benchmarking and board feedback, saying the work points to “access to low interest loans is needed” and recommended considering different funding levels and simpler application tracks for smaller grants. Presenters reported 178 responses to the business survey and 57 responses to the capital and technical-assistance provider survey, providing the basis for cross-tabulated analysis.
Why it matters: the surveys identify barriers that could limit participation by small or historically marginalized producers — particularly match requirements and complicated applications. The…
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