Loans and services to support your success

California FarmLink is a non-profit, mission-based business lender serving farmers, ranchers, and fishers. Certified as a CDFI, we have made more than $60 million in loans since 2012. Our team understands the unique financing needs of agriculture and fishing businesses. Our lending aims to be fair and affordable. Learn more about the people we serve here.

No minimum credit score
Helping people who have had challenging credit histories or little credit.
Fair & flexible loans
Lending with fairness and flexibility to support business resilience.
Specialized loan officers
Loan officers who understand the complexities of farming and fishing cash flows.
Free technical assistance
Business technical assistance to support your success.
First-time borrowers welcome
Help for first-time borrowers to demonstrate business vitality.
Discounted rates
Resilerator Rate: 1% interest rate discount when you complete our educational course.

Current Rates & Terms

Operating & Term Loans

Interest: 6-8% fixed rate based on term and Resilerator participation (1% discount)

Operating expenses, working capital, equipment, vessels, permits, infrastructure, permanent crop development and replanting, and vehicles.

Loans starting at $5,000

Fees: 0.5% to 2%

Land & Housing Loans

Interest: Rates are competitive with other lenders. Ask us.

Land purchase, land refinance, farmworker or farmer housing, and term loans secured by real estate.*

Loans up to $2.2 million

Fees: 0.5% to 2%

Disaster Relief Loans

Interest: 0%

Clean-up and recovery from eligible disasters and related working capital. Limited funds available.

Loans up to $50,000

Fees: 0%

Conservation Loans

Interest: 3.5%

Bridge financing for conservation practices to be reimbursed by partners.**

Loans up to $100,000 (exceptions apply)

Fees: 0.5% to 2%

NOTE: Rates and terms updated November 1, 2024 and are subject to change. Very limited loan scenarios may fall outside of these rates and terms. Please inquire about your specific situation.
*Limited funds available for Down Payment Assistance to eligible borrowers. Inquire for more information.
** USDA EQIP or California's Healthy Soils and Carl Moyer programs.

Loan Inquiry Process Overview

Inquire with Us
Start your online application with inquiry to let us know your desired loan size, its purpose, and a bit about your business.
Complete An Application
We work with you to assure that loan financing is the right choice to meet your goals. Our staff can support you in the application process.
Get a decision
Loan reviews are a process of learning about each other. We focus on providing clarity at each step leading to our loan decision.

Loan Types, Terms, and Eligibility

Operating & Term Loans

Small- and mid-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 loan that is just the right size to meet your needs. We can consider loan requests as small as $5,000.

Types of Operating & Term Loans

Loan Terms

Eligibility

Materials Needed to Apply

Qualified Use of Funds

Loan Terms

Eligibility

Materials Needed to Apply

Land & Housing Loans

High quality land tenure and quality housing are fundamental challenges for many farmers and ranchers. Our focus is on helping borrowers to build wealth over time. Land ownership is one way to build wealth, and adequate housing is an investment in everyone’s well-being. We can consider loan requests up to $2.2 million.

Disaster Loans

People are increasingly impacted by fires, floods, and mandated fishing season closures. We can offer: 1) Payment deferments for borrowers who are unable to make payments due to lost revenue, 2) Loans up to $50,000 with 0% interest to address business impacts resulting from a disaster, and 3) “Bridge loans” designed to help in the near-term if you are waiting for disaster assistance payments. Please contact us with any questions.

Types of Loans

Loan Terms

Eligibility

Materials Needed to Apply

Types of Conservation Loans

Loan Terms

Eligibility

Materials Needed to Apply

Conservation Loans

Many farmers are adopting regenerative practices that can improve soils, sequester carbon, diversify on-farm habitat, and conserve water. Various programs provide financial support for conservation, but they can be difficult to access due to the financial commitment required. We help by offering “bridge loans” to cover upfront costs that are often required before getting reimbursement.

FAQs