The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched the Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network (MFAN) in response to the struggling economy and to address the needs of farmers facing financial challenges. The MFAN network draws upon the expertise of experienced financial analysts from several organizations working together to help farmers.
These experts provide business and financial guidance to farm families on a variety of topics including financial statement preparation, debt restructuring, business reorganization and farm transition.
By calling the toll-free MFAN helpline, farmers are connected to appropriate resources such as MFAN Analysts, farm business management instructors, extension educators and others with the expertise to assist them.
Available at no-cost to farmers statewide, MFAN also provides referrals for legal guidance, basic needs (such as food or housing) and mental health counseling, including a 24-hour crisis hotline. All information will be confidential.
Farm families seeking assistance can call MFAN toll-free at 1-877-898-MFAN (6326). In the Twin Cities metro area, the number is 651-201-6326.
The MFAN initiative is a network of organizations working together to provide resources to help Minnesota farmers who are facing economic hardship. These organizations include:
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
- University of Minnesota Extension
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Farm Business Management (FBM) and Rural Mental Health Programs
- Crisis Connection, Sowing the Seeds of Hope
- MDA Farm Advocate Program
- Farmer-Lender Mediation
- Farmers Legal Action Group
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
- County and Faith-Based Social Service Agencies
For more information, visit the MFAN website at www.mda.state.mn.us/mfan or send an email to mfan.mda@state.mn.us
MFAN is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Rural Finance Authority (RFA) and is consistent with the agency's mission to strengthen Minnesota's agricultural economy.
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