SAINT PAUL – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now offering funding for controlled atmosphere storage facilities through its Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program. This type of storage technology helps extend the shelf life of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and floriculture products by regulating levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
“Controlled atmosphere storage facilities are used by the produce and floriculture industries here in Minnesota. Our growers can now benefit from having this type of storage facility added to the list of eligible structures for Farm Storage Facility Loans, allowing producers to extend the shelf life of the commodities they grow and market,” said Daniel Mahoney, FSA Acting State Executive Director in Minnesota.
FSFLs provide low-interest loans to help agricultural producers build, upgrade, or renovate storage facilities, including adding controlled atmosphere storage and monitoring equipment. Eligible equipment includes optical oxygen sensors, CO2 sensors, air quality detectors, and other monitoring devices. Loan terms for renovations range from three to five years, with loan amounts up to $50,000 secured by a promissory note and larger loans requiring additional security.
The program is open to a variety of agricultural operations, including small and midsize farms, new farmers, and underserved producers. Borrowers are not required to demonstrate a lack of commercial credit to qualify.
For more details, visit fsa.usda.gov or contact a local USDA Service Center.
