RAFI E-Bulletin
The Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA

Farm Loans and the Financial Crisis

Farmers and ranchers, like many other businesses, are suffering in the financial crisis. Many farmers will find it difficult or impossible to keep up their regularly scheduled loan payments.  Because most family farmers live on the farm, losing the farm means losing the family home as well.

RAFI is fighting to ensure that the government requires private banks that receive bailout funds to offer the farmers they finance a chance to restructure payments, just as the USDA does for its direct loans.  

Farmers facing foreclosure would be able to refinance at or above the value that the property would sell for on the open market if it were to foreclose. This proposal would cost banks nothing, save taxpayers money on guaranteed loans, and keep farmers on their land and in their homes. Learn more.>>

RAFI welcomes Linda Shaw, Executive Director

The board and staff of the Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA are pleased to welcome Linda Shaw, RAFI's new executive director.

During January and February, Linda worked closely with Betty Bailey, RAFI's founding executive director, to ensure a smooth transition. Betty has retired after more than 20 years of service.

Linda is a recognized leader in rural economic development with over 20 years experience in community and organizational development. We are excited about the talents, relationships, and passions she brings to RAFI.  Read more about Linda here.

RAFI advocate honored for personal service

Benny Bunting, RAFI's farm advocate, received the 2008 Nancy Susan Reynolds Award for Personal Service from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The award recognizes "the unsung heroes of North Carolina whose vision, determination, resourcefulness and strength of character have caused them to make a positive difference in the state...often...at great personal or professional sacrifice. The Raleigh News and Observer has referred to the award as "the Nobel Peace Prize of the South."

Benny has been saving family farms from bankruptcy and foreclosure for a quarter of a century. During that time, he has saved or gained more than $42 million dollars of farm assets. In 2008 alone, he worked with 138 farmers, including 39 who needed extensive help with an appeal or application, as well as conducting trainings for 70 African-American and Hmong and Native American farmers.

"I love to see the tables turned when we point out the errors in the local FSA office's handling of a case," says Bunting,"and see the family sit up straight with the first relief in months showing on their faces. Every day is a high in my life when I can come up with a solution."

Watch a video about Benny and some of the farmers he's helped on RAFI's homepage.

2008 Annual Report Released

Read it online now. Some highlights:

• Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund expands to all 100 North Carolina counties
• Farm Bill Wins bring opportunities for farmers
• Henry Carse: Remembering a New England farmer and friend
• Godspeed from Betty Bailey, RAFI's founding director

Also at www.rafiusa.org

Food Safety and H.R. 875 E-mails, blogs, and internet petitions said this bill would put an end to local food, roadside stands, farmer's markets, direct marketing, organic farming and even backyard gardens. The internet furor is not based on the facts - but other bills do threaten organic and local food. Read more.>>

Funds Available for Organic Farmers - NC deadline extended to June 5 - The USDA's National Resources Conservation Service has announced that $50 million has been set aside for its new Organic Initiative through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program . Read more.>>

Recommendations for the Obama Administration on contract agriculture, farm financing and organic agriculture.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA cultivates markets, policies and communities that support thriving, environmentally sound and socially just family farms.

If you have questions or comments, let us know at communicator@rafiusa.org.

For back issues of the bulletin, see the RAFI- USA e-Bulletins page or call (919) 542-1396. You can search our site to find information in back issues.

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