This week, the USDA Farm Service Agency announced that it will expand the Farm Storage Facility Loan program to include cold-storage facilities for fruits and vegetables. According to the FSA, "the program provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities."

"We are very pleased that USDA has expanded this program," said United Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther. "Any program that makes it easier for members of our industry to get the things they need to grow a successful business is a step in the right direction."

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack was given the authority to make storage for additional commodities eligible for financing under the program, which previously included facilities for corn, soybeans and other commodity crops, pulse crops, hay and renewable biomass.

Click here for more information on the FSA announcement, and for a fact sheet on the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, please click here. For questions, please contact USDA-FSA's DeAnn Allen at 202-720-9889.