By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has expanded its Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program to include controlled atmosphere storage facilities.
This is welcome news for farmers of perishable commodities like fruits, vegetables, and flowers in states like Pennsylvania.
"Controlled atmosphere storage facilities are widely used by specialty crop producers here in Pennsylvania," said Heidi Secord, FSA State Executive Director in Pennsylvania. "Our growers can now benefit from having this type of storage facility added to the list of eligible structures for Farm Storage Facility Loans, allowing producers to extend the shelf life of the commodities they grow and market."
FSFLs offer low-interest financing to help farmers build or upgrade storage facilities, purchase equipment, and even renovate existing facilities to incorporate controlled atmosphere storage.
Controlled atmosphere storage is a technology that regulates the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen in a storage room to slow down the ripening process of perishable produce.
This helps maintain the quality and freshness of the produce for longer periods, allowing farmers to market their products at optimal times and potentially fetch higher prices.
Eligible Equipment for FSFL:
To monitor and control the atmosphere within the storage facility, farmers can use FSFL funds to purchase equipment such as:
- Optical oxygen sensors
- Low-power CO2 sensors
- Air quality sensors
- Gas detection devices
- Air temperature and relative humidity sensors
- Water activity meters
- Temperature-stabilized water activity analyzers
- Precision and performance humidity and temperature transmitters
Eligibility and Loan Terms:
Farmers do not need to demonstrate a lack of commercial credit to qualify for FSFLs. Loans can range from $50,000 to over $100,000, with varying security requirements based on the loan amount.
For more information on eligibility criteria, loan terms, and the application process, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit the FSA website.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy, Weather