FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2003
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Waugh Will Hold Press Conference To Announce Changes to Several State Loan Programs

Agricultural producers can now participate in low-interest loan programs

YORK, PA – Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York), along with the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA) will invite agricultural producers to participate in the state’s Small Business First (SBF) and Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund (MELF) Programs at a press conference on Thursday, February 27, 2003, at 2:00pm, at Shiloh Nurseries, 3100 N. George Street, Emigsville.

Prior to the passage of bi-partisan supported legislation sponsored by Waugh, Chair of the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, only agricultural processors were eligible to qualify for SBF and MELF loans granted through The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

Together the legislation amended the Job Enhancement Act to classify agricultural producers as a small business enterprise, making them eligible for the loans. Under the SBF program, natural disasters, such as droughts, warrant an even lower interest rate, as low as 2%.

Additional legislation also established the Next Generation Farmer Loan Program into statute, ensuring its continuity.

In addition to Sen. Waugh, Gregg Robertson, President of PLNA, Mike Gerhart, Agricultural Economic Development Consultant of Regional Economic Development District Initiatives (REDDI), and Carl Jacobs, owner of Shiloh Nurseries will make brief comments during the program. A question and answer period will follow, as well as a tour of the nursery.