Pennsylvania farmers face a variety of challenges and opportunities when looking to expand agricultural operations.  Access to capital can be one roadblock, especially as prices for land, farm equipment, and buildings continue to rise. 
 
Working with their local Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO), farmers can access low interest loans and lines of credit through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to support business development on the farm.  In Chester County, this work is administered by the Chester County Economic Development Council.
 
Agriculture loans from the PIDA Small Business First Fund are capped in statute at $400,000, which is far less than the $2 million available to non-agricultural enterprises through the same program.  Our legislation, which is a companion to Senator Comitta's Agriculture Lending Bill, seeks to increase the availability of the Small Business First Fund program for farmers by increasing the cap for ag loans from $400,000 to $2,000,000.  This change will bring consistency to the program for both ag and non-ag loans, and provide additional opportunities for farmers looking to access these funds.   
 
We welcome your support of this initiative.