With nearly 4,000 specialty crop farms that generated $267 million in sales in 2022, Missouri’s specialty crop sector is an emerging opportunity for lenders looking to expand their portfolios. Often concentrated around urban areas, Missouri’s specialty crop producers grow a diverse range of vegetables, fruits and other horticultural crops.   

This three-hour workshop will offer cover how agricultural lenders can serve this expanding sector through partnerships with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and University of Missouri Extension. Tailored for lenders new to agriculture, or those new to lending to specialty crop producers, this workshop will provide practical tools and insights to support specialty crop clientele.   

What you’ll gain:  An overview of University of Missouri Extension business planning and technical assistance resources available for specialty crop producers Insights on how banks can partner with the USDA FSA on farm loans to minimize lending risk Key details on USDA NRCS programs that can support specialty crop growers An opportunity to engage with FSA, NRCS and University of Missouri Extension staff in an interactive Q&A  Join us for a valuable session to explore new horizons in lending by tapping into Missouri’s specialty crop producers.

Cost: Free

Contact: Mallory Rahe, mallory.rahe@missouri.edu, 573-884-7606