FCS Diversity and Inclusion - PROPOSED RULE - MARCH 2011 Dear Mr. Van Meter,
I live in a community with a vibrant farmer's market and opportunities for small farmers to be successful. My family enjoys the benefits of this with every meal. But these farmers often need help that the Farm Credit Administration can provide.
As you look at the future of farm credit, consider these as important to the success:
1. Including a minimum investment goal for local and regional food producers of 10% of the institution’s capital within 5 years.
2. A plan for conducting outreach to local and regional food producers and a commitment to adding local and regional food producers to the FCS board.
3. A plan for developing lending and business support products with terms and benefits appropriate for local and regional food producers.
Thank you for considering these in making the farm credit system supportive of small farmers.