Investing in our future

At AgCarolina we understand the relationships and interdependence among farmers, agribusiness, and rural communities. Each supports and is supported by the other.

Today, more than 93 percent of all farm families depend upon off-farm jobs for income to supplement their farming operations. Now, more than ever, farmers are dependent upon the economic health of their rural communities. They rely upon their communities for jobs, markets for their produce, livestock and farm-related services, and other vital services such as schools, utilities, law enforcement, medical facilities, and fire protection. Recognizing the importance of keeping rural communities strong, the Farm Credit System has established the Rural America Bond Program.

Rural America Bonds can help agriculture, agribusiness, and rural communities meet their on-going debt and equity financing needs that are not being met by conventional investment sources. The bonds offer adequate and flexible funding often needed by rural communities.

Without healthy, supportive rural communities, farmers cannot succeed. That's why AgCarolina Financial wants to help America's rural communities prosper and grow. By investing in our rural communities, we not only ensure the future of generations of American farmers, we ensure the future of everyone who chooses to live and work in rural America.

What is the Rural America Bond Program?

• Public and private entities
• Corporations and cooperatives
• Rural lenders and other financial institutions

• An area outside a standard metropolitan statistical area (MSA)
• A community that has a population of 50,000 or less. Such communities can be outside an MSA or in a non-urbanized area within an MSA

What types of projects qualify for the Rural America Bond Program?

• Housing for families with low to moderate income
• Community revitalization and development projects
• Rural infrastructure such as water, waste, utility, and transportation projects
• Essential community services including: schools, libraries, childcare facilities, medical and assisted-living facilities, community centers, and public buildings as well as police, fire, and rescue stations
• Rural businesses that create or preserve jobs and provide products or services primarily serving rural areas and their residents (does not include major national corporations, religious organizations, or gaming operations)

• Young, beginning, and small farmers
• Value-added food and fiber processors and marketers
• Infrastructure for agricultural production, storage, shipping, and trade such as grain storage facilities or a farmers' market
• Alternative energy projects including: ethanol plants, biodiesel, wind or hydro energy, and other projects that qualify under the USDA's Renewal Energy and Efficiency Program

The possibilities for Rural America Bond financing are unlimited. All submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Product Offerings

• Bond financing is available in amounts up to $50,000,000 or more

• Construction and permanent financing
• Construction financing available with terms up to two years
• Real estate infrastructure - roads, utilities, etc.
• Equipment
• Working capital

• Maturities of one to 15 years, with amortizations up to 20 years
• Maturities and amortizations up to 30 years for bonds guaranteed by a government agency
• Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and customized payments

• Fixed or variable rates
• Fixed-rate quotes to 30, 60, and 90 day lock-ins
• Open prepayment on bonds less than $3 million