To help make it easier for farmers to better manage expenses and promote local agriculture, UMass Five College Federal Credit Union is once again offering its zero-interest Farm Share Loan.
The $347 million credit union in Hadley, Mass., said members will have the ability to finance an individual share at any local Community Supported Agriculture farm and spread their payments over six months.
An enrollment or renewal form from their farm of choice is needed at the time of request. UMassFive said it will then pay the farms upfront and in full. There is no cost to farms or members to participate in the loan program.
Members can find a CSA farm by visiting the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture website for a list of farms in the Pioneer Valley.
“Our hope is that the Farm Share Loan makes expenses easier to manage for both the farmer and the shareholder so both can benefit from the rewards of excellent local agriculture,” UMassFive said.
