Lending

Why Borrow with California FarmLink?

We are a non-profit lender that has provided more than $50 million in fair and affordable loans for agricultural and fishing businesses. Certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) our work focuses on underserved people and communities. We understand the unique needs of farm, ranch and fishing businesses.

Fairness & Flexibility

We’re a mission-driven lender that can help you determine whether loan financing makes sense for you.

Individualized Service

We provide a personalized approach and repayment terms that will work for your cash flow.

Transparency & Reliability

Once your application is complete, you can typically count on a decision and funding within one month.

Loan Types, Terms, and Eligibility

Farm Loans

Small-scale farmers, farmers of color and beginning farmers and ranchers have limited access to business loans. Many lenders may not understand your business needs, and it’s often difficult to secure an affordable, modest-sized loan that is just enough to meet your needs. Our loan sizes range from as little as $5,000 up to $1.8 million for land purchases.

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Fisheries Loans

We started our lending with a focus on farming, and the challenges faced by farmers and fishers are similar, including high cost of entry into the industry, often meager profit margins, and complex regulations. Like many farmers, fishers also have few options for accessing fair and affordable business loans. Our focus is on serving small-scale and beginning fishers, and people of color, while supporting resource conservation, species diversification, climate resilience, and business success.

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Flood Recovery & Salmon Closure Disaster Loans

Many farmers, ranchers and fishers have been severely impacted by winter storms, flooding, and the closure of the salmon season. We can offer: 1) Payment deferments for borrowers who are unable to make payments due to lost revenue, 2) Recovery & Resilience Loans (as low as 0% interest) to address business impacts resulting from the disasters, and 3) Disaster assistance loans designed to help you in the near-term if you are waiting for government disaster assistance payments. We are addressing the urgent needs of existing borrowers while working to serve other farmers, ranchers and fishers in need. Please contact us with any questions.

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Conservation Loans

California FarmLink has deep roots in sustainable and organic agriculture. Many farmers are adopting regenerative practices that can improve soils, contribute to carbon sequestration, diversify on-farm habitat, and conserve water. Public programs provide financial support for conservation, but it is often difficult for small- and medium-sized farms to access them due to the financial commitment required. With our Equity & Conservation on Working Lands (ECWL) program, we help farmers to access resources for conservation without undue financial hardship. We reduce financial barriers to investing in conservation with “bridge loans” that cover farmers’ upfront costs before getting reimbursement from the programs.

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