USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director in Illinois Scherrie V. Giamanco reminds producers that FSA offers specially-targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to socially disadvantaged applicants.

"FSA targets a portion of its loan funds each year to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers," Giamanco said. "Farming and ranching is a capital-intensive business, and FSA is committed to helping producers start and maintain their agricultural operations."

In fiscal year 2011, Illinois FSA obligated nearly $2.4 million in direct and guaranteed loans to socially disadvantaged producers.