By Blake Jackson
Kentucky farmers who produce perishable commodities like fruits, vegetables, and flowers can now take advantage of a new funding opportunity.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) to support the construction of controlled atmosphere storage facilities.
Controlled atmosphere storage is a technology that regulates the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen within a storage facility. By carefully controlling these gases, farmers can significantly extend the shelf life of their perishable produce.
This technology helps to maintain the quality and freshness of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, allowing farmers to market their products at optimal times and potentially fetch higher prices.
Eligible Equipment for FSFL:
To monitor and control the atmosphere within the storage facility, farmers can use FSFL funds to purchase equipment such as:
- Optical oxygen sensors
- Low-power CO2 sensors
- Air quality sensors
- Gas detection devices
- Air temperature and relative humidity sensors
- Water activity meters
- Temperature-stabilized water activity analyzers
- Precision and performance humidity and temperature transmitters
Eligibility and Loan Terms:
To qualify for an FSFL, Kentucky farmers do not need to demonstrate a lack of commercial credit availability. Loans can range from $50,000 to over $100,000, with varying security requirements based on the loan amount.
For more information and to apply, Kentucky farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy, Weather