Local Producer Loan Program

Every year, Local Producer Loan Program (LPLP) provides $10 million in low-interest loans to small, local producers. Why? Because we believe in supporting local farmers and producers. We want to make it easier for them to grow their businesses and bring more local products to market. That’s good for us and it’s good for you.

Loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and can be for things like purchasing more animals, investing in new equipment or converting to organic production. We minimize the fees, interest rates and paperwork that can often get in the way of a small local farm or business taking the next step to expand its operations.

Check out the stories of our current loan recipients. From ranchers and beekeepers to ice cream makers and bakers, they all have wonderfully unique experiences to share. And if you are a local producer yourself, check out the information provided here about applying for a loan to help your business.

Featured Loan Recipient:

Upper Meadows Farm
Montague, NJ

Upper Meadows Farm has been certified organic since 1991, growing from 4 1/2 acres to their current 153 acres. During that time the farm has raised pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and cattle, for meat, fur, fiber, eggs, and milk. They have expanded their vegetable production from the traditional "kitchen garden" to approximately 12 acres today, and they are gradually expanding their fruit production.

Their loan will be used to construct a packing and preparation building. Being able to facilitate the rinse, prep, and pack process will improve their operational efficiency, preserve the quality of the products, allow them to exceed food safety requirements for food handling, and afford them an opportunity to add value-added minimally-processed products to their sales.

Upper Meadows Farm chose the Local Producer Loan Program due to both its favorable interest rate and the fact that Whole Foods Market is more understanding of the choices they have made to protect their soil through responsible agricultural development.