FarmStart is a Farm Credit East program that makes working capital investments of up to $75,000 to northeast agricultural ventures showing promise of success. The innovative program targets startup farmers and ag businesses with limited financial resources and who are not generally eligible for conventional lending programs.
The investment functions the same as an operating line of credit and is intended to provide the critical last dollar of funding to overcome the financial challenges that true startup farming operations initially face in generating working capital. Repayment of these funds is up to five years.
Eligibility
Farmers, forestry producers, fishermen, farm-related service businesses and cooperatives, generally in their first three years of business.
Application Instructions
Contact your local Farm Credit East office to start an application.
Resources
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Updated October 27, 2025
Image Credit: Gabriel Jimenez
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