Articles tagged under: Rural Finance Authority
House Ag Committee Passes RFA Funding Bill
Published January 23, 2023
The Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee approved two identical bills that would appropriate $50 million from state bond proceeds for the Rural Finance Authority. HF103 is sponsored by Badger Republican John Burkel and HF463 is sponsored by Brooklyn…Rural Finance Authority Expedites Disaster Funds
Published February 10, 2022
During a Minnesota House Agriculture Committee hearing, Rural Finance Authority ag finance supervisor Matt McDevitt provided a status report on the drought disaster loans. "Currently, we have about ten applications for $1.2 million and we continue to get inquiries," said…MN RFA Approves Disaster Recovery Loan Program
Published July 14, 2021
Zero-interest loans are available for Minnesota farmers dealing with the dry conditions. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority Board voted unanimously to make the disaster recovery funds available. This program can be used to help cover lost revenue…Minnesota Considers All Options for Drought Response
Published June 29, 2021
Drought has expanded in Minnesota in recent weeks. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says the state is taking a proactive approach to these dry conditions. "Some of the things we're looking at is the opening of state land and make…Finding Drought Relief Solutions for MN Farmers
Published June 25, 2021
As severe drought conditions spread, the Minnesota Agriculture Department is exploring ways to help farmers. In a stakeholder call on Friday, Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen said disaster loans could be available for farmers through the Rural Finance Authority. "We haven't…MN Lawmakers Readjust Top Priorities for Session
Published March 23, 2020
In St. Paul, state lawmakers are looking at ways to mitigate the challenges of the coronavirus. Minnesota House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division Chair Jeanne Poppe explains there's a few things being considered to help local food production.…Rural Finance Authority Funds Get Final Approval
Published March 18, 2020
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill Tuesday to provide funding for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Rural Finance Authority. The bill allocates $50 million for the RFA to continue offering eligible Minnesota farmers low interest loans not offered by…Rural Finance Authority Funds Appreciated
Published March 12, 2020
The Rural Finance Authority cleared the Minnesota Senate on Thursday. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says with the challenging, continuous harvest, farmers need resources. "We don't have lots of applications in so farmers shouldn't have to wait long." Petersen says…MN House Approves RFA Funding
Published March 6, 2020
Minnesota House lawmakers voted to approve funding for the Rural Finance Authority last week. This year’s bill is asking for $50 million. Every two years, the RFA typically gets $20 to $30 million. The RFA provides state guarantees for local…