The Farm Service Agency (FSA) through the
Farm Loan Programs (FLP) provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Farms that come into FSA ownership are sold at market value, with a preference to beginning farmers and ranchers. The EERB strives to ensure that the farms that FSA does obtain in inventory do not adversely impact the environment or the health and safety of the public. The main environmental risk management tool for FSA lending practices and land management practices is the
FSA 851 Environmental Risk Survey form. This form acts as a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). If this form is completed thoroughly potential hazardous waste or environmental problems will be exposed and appropriate actions can be taken to correct them.