EATON COUNTY FARM RECEIVES USDA HOUSING LOAN

EAST LANSING, Aug. 28, 2008 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett today celebrated the ribbon-cutting for a new Farm Labor Housing facility at Country Mill Farms, in Charlotte. 

“USDA Rural Development has a strong commitment to quality housing for farm workers,” DeRossett said.  “This is an investment in Eaton County’s agricultural economy.”

The $456,000 loan is available through the Section 514 Farm Labor Housing program and will be used to construct a three-unit facility that will house agricultural workers that are citizens or permanent legal residents of the United States.  The program provides one-percent loans to growers or farmers to build or buy housing for agricultural workers.

Country Mill Farms is family-owned and dates back to 1871.  It provides apples, cider and other produce.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

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