Re: SUST. AG. LOANS

Colette DePhelps (dephelps@wsu.edu)
Mon, 31 Jul 1995 08:58:24 -0700

>To Sanetters and Sust. Ag. Res. and Educ. Discussion groups:
>
>Is anyone familiar with loan application/approval guidelines that :
>
>- provide Ag Lenders with info in a form that might lead them to be more
>comfortable with making loans for sustainable ag practices? OR
>
>- are used by public agencies when assessing loan/grant applications for
>sustainable ag practices?
>
>I recently heard that unfamiliarity with some of these practices AND not having
>data from traditional sources on their economic impact at the farm level may be
>a barrier for sustainable farmers getting such loans.
>
>Maybe a review or course can be developed... IF the info is out there.
>

The Pacific Northwest Sustainable Agricultural Systems In-Service Education
Program (funded by Western Region USDA-SARE through Chapter 3 of the 1990
Farm Bill) recently funded an educational project proposal entitled
"Alternative Lending mechanisms for Sustainable Agriculture." The project
is "aimed at informing trainers, educators, and others about alternative
lending mechanisms...[promoting] sustainable agriculture by making it easier
for farmers to obtain loans or other financial support needed to sustain
their farms during the transition from conventional to sustainable
agriculture."

The project will be sponsoing a workshop on alteratives in Boise, Idaho
September 18, 1995.

For more information regarding lending alternatives or the project, contact:
Karen Murphy or Gwen Bane
The Northwest Coalition for Alteratives to Pesticides
PO 1393, Eugene, OR 97440
503/344-5044 fax 503/344-6923
email: NCAP@igc.apc.org
Colette DePhelps
Outreach Coordinator
Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-6240
509/335-2887
FAX 509/335-6751
email DEPHELPS@coopext.cahe.wsu.edu