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Department of Commerce unveils new loan programs for ag produceFunding to assist agritourism operators, non-traditional crop, livestock producers Kansas The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced two new loan programs to help agriculture producers who are developing agritourism operations or transitioning to non-traditional crop or livestock production. The two loan programs--the Agritourism Attraction Development Loan Program and the Diversified Farm and Specialty Production Loan Program--are designed to encourage diversification among Kansas rural producers, who are increasingly incorporating non-traditional activities and production lines into their traditional operations as a way to generate additional income. "We all know that it's becoming harder for the traditional farmer to remain viable," said Secretary of Commerce David Kerr. "But many Kansas producers are discovering that they can generate new revenue by making their farm an agritourism attraction or by producing non-traditional crops and livestock. These new loan programs will encourage that diversification and allow rural producers to explore new avenues within the ag industry." Agritourism is defined as the crossroads of traditional agriculture and tourism. Examples include tourists visiting a working farm, ranch, winery or any agricultural operation for enjoyment, recreation, activities, education, shopping, dining or lodging. Non-traditional crops or livestock are defined as those not tracked by the Kansas Agriculture Statistics Service. Loan program descriptions are as follows: Agritourism Attraction Development Loan Program The Agritourism Attraction Development Loan Program is designed to help new and existing agritourism operators enhance their business operations. Agritourism is often described as the crossroads of traditional agriculture and tourism. Examples include tourists visiting a working farm, ranch, winery or any agricultural operation for enjoyment, outdoor recreation, activities, education, shopping, dining or lodging. Applicants must be registered with the Kansas Department of Commerce as an Agritourism Operation. Loan amounts will vary by project. Diversified Farm and Specialty Production Loan Program The Diversified Farm and Specialty Production Loan Program is designed to assist Kansas agriculture producers in transitioning to non-traditional crops or livestock as a means to add value to the farm. Non-traditional crops or livestock are defined as those not currently tracked by the Kansas Agriculture Statistics Service. Projects cannot be an expansion of an existing operation. Applicants must exhibit the potential for the project to generate and sustain additional revenue streams for the farm operation. Loan amounts will vary by project. For complete loan program information, including guidelines and a downloadable application, visit www.kansascommerce.com or contact BioProducts Specialist Lyle Peterson with the Kansas Department of Commerce at 785-296-6080 or lpeterson@kansascommerce.com. Date: 12/20/07
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