Microloan Program for Majuro’s Farmers Republic of the Marshall Islands

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCYHawaii & Pacific Basin

Diane L. LeyState Executive Director

Delivering Programs Over the Vast Pacific Ocean

• FSA is authorized to serve RMI’s producers with programs such as the Reimbursement of Transportation Costs Payment Program through virtual and mail application processes

• In 2013, Microloans were authorized nationwide as means to assist very small or beginning producers gain access to and experience with financial credit

• Limited resources challenged FSA to deliver the Microloan Program to the underserved producers of Majuro

• Essential resources include a local point of contact to serve as marketer, provide technical assistance and help in packaging loan applications

Partnerships – The Logical Option…

• With willing partners on board, FSA took steps to:

• Secure headquarters approval• Complete the necessary background

research • Prepare processes and documents• Host meetings and trainings for SBDC

staff• Secure the answer to numerous

questions

• A MOU was signed on December 19, 2014 officially launching the program

• Microloan fact sheets, applications and record keeping books are now available in Marshallese and English at the SBDC-RMI Office

• FSA approached Ambassador Armbruster and found a strong advocate and partner

• RMI President Loeak offered up his support and the assistance of RMI’s Cabinet

• College of RMI agreed to support the initiative as part of its extension program

• Pacific Islands SBDC Network saw the commonalities in its mission with that of FSA and agreed to assist

• Producers of Laura were enthusiastic to access Microloans

Microloans for Majuro Farmers

Loans up to $50,000

Operating expenses, supplies, farm equipment, delivery vehicles, family living expenses…

Streamlined application process

Flexible eligibility requirements

2.5% fixed interest rate as of March 2015

Up to 7-year term, exceptions for beginning and veteran farmers

Serving the producers of Laura and Greater Majuro – The future is bright…

Typical agro-forestry production with banana, breadfruit, papaya and taro

SBDC-RMI is now working with 4 farmers to develop business plans as first steps to apply for Microloans

Kommol – Thank You

FSA extends its sincere appreciation to our partners and looks forward to serving the producers of RMI

U.S. Ambassador Tom Armbruster

RMI President Christopher Loeak & the RMI Cabinet

College of the Marshall Islands’ President

Pacific Islands SBDC Network Casey Jeszenka, Anel Philimon & Leeno Aikuij

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) Persons with disabilities, who wish to file a program complaint, write to the address below or if you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities and wish to file either an EEO or program complaint, please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.