Loan
FarmStart Seed Capital (Working Capital Investments for Beginning Farmers)
Farm Credit East (with CoBank)
What you can get
$75,000 • Working capital investment paired with a Farm Credit financial advisor
- Readiness
- Prep docs first
- Who can apply
- producer, small business, co op, Farmers, forestry producers, fishermen, farm related service businesses and cooperatives generally in their first three years of business, Independent start ups with very little accumulated net worth, not affiliated with an established operation
- Coverage
- CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT
- Deadline & timing
- Ongoing program (page marks 'FarmStart: Celebrating 20 Years'); no application window. Contact a local Farm Credit East office or FarmStart@farmcrediteast.com.
- Eligibility
- Farm Credit East is a cooperative lender, not a nonprofit; the investment functions as start-up working capital credit. Business plan guidelines available from local branches.
beginning farmerrisk management
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 12, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.