This week, farmers and advocates across the country are asking their legislators to improve farmers’ access to credit by co-sponsoring the Fair Credit for Farmers Act, H.R. 5296 introduced by Representative Alma Adams, and S. 2668 introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Whether you are a farmer, advocate, or a concerned citizen who (like us all) depends on farmers for their daily nourishment, we need your support! Do you have two minutes to make a phone call to your legislators?

Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC), and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) have joined forces in a Farm Credit Week of Action to urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor Fair Credit for Farmers Act to address the barriers farmers face in accessing credit at the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

One of the key functions of FSA is to provide an essential source of credit for farmers who have been turned away by other lenders. However, FSA has not always lived up to this mandate, as farmers still encounter obstacles, delays, excessive collateral requirements (often including their own homes), and sometimes outright discrimination.

The Fair Credit for Farmers Act will improve access and accountability in the FSA loan application and appeals process. It seeks a fundamental shift in the dynamic between farmers and FSA, to a relationship where farmers have protections and can work in partnership with FSA staff in seeking farm success.  You can read a bill summary, check out RAFI’s blog post with some of the farmer stories that inspired this bill, and review the full bill at Congress.gov.