Help for struggling farmers

Minnesota farm families have a new statewide resource network to help them address difficult financial challenges. The Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network (MFAN) provides financial guidance, technical assistance and mentoring to farm families facing economic hardship.

By calling the toll-free MFAN helpline, (877) 898-6326 , farmers will be connected to appropriate resources such as farm business management instructors, extension educators and other expert financial analysts.  MFAN will also help farmers find legal guidance, tax advice and 24-hour crisis counseling.

"MFAN is a streamlined network designed to get farm families on the road to recovery," says Minnesota agriculture commissioner Gene Hugoson. "MFAN analysts will assess each situation and match these producers with the right person or program that can help them."

MFAN was established to address a downturn in the farm economy due to low prices and declining demand for some commodities. The new resource network is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA).

Farmers seeking assistance can call (877) 898-6326 or in the Twin Cities metro area call (651) 201-6326.

For more information, visit the MFAN website at www.mda.state.mn.us/mfan.

Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

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