Business Structure & Records

• The entity’s governance document
• The embedded entity’s governance document and ownership ledger
• Business tax returns for the last three years
• Any available profit and loss statements
• Documentation of current business expenses
• The business’ payroll
• Business credit card and bank statements, generally from the past two months
• Information on interest rates and terms of other financing offered on the commercial market

Managerial Ability

There are many options here! Consider gathering as much evidence as you have from the list below.

• A farm’s tax returns for FSA farm records demonstrating the owner was the manager or owner of that farm,
• Documentation of employment as a farm manager via an employment contract, job description, or something similar,
• Documentation of having grown up on a farm or internship experience with significant responsibilities.
• Evidence of at least 16 hours credit of post-secondary education in an agricultural related field,
• Proof of completion of agricultural program offered by cooperative extension or another similar institution,
• Proof of one year of experience as a farm laborer with substantial management responsibility,
• Proof of significant business management experience,
• Honorable discharge papers from the armed forces of the US,
• Proof of successful repayment of a FSA youth loan
• Poof of a mentorship relationship.

Personal Information and Finances

• Proposed job descriptions and division of labor for all owners that will be operating the farm
• Passport and other necessary documentation of US citizenship or other status
• Proof of age
• Pay stubs from off-farm income