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states, helping small and mid-sized farmers produce and sell more over an extended growing season. Soon, we'll make an additional $15 million available to help farmers in persistent poverty areas in 19 states build hoop houses.
• Our new microloan program allows small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers to use a simplified application process to apply for up to $35,000 in loans. So far, we've helped more than 4,900 farmers and ranchers access capital through the program--to the tune of $97 million.
• One of many success stories that has come out of this program is that of a Native American beginning rancher in Washington State. He operates in a remote area where commercial lending is not easily accessible. Thanks to the microloan program, he was able to receive a loan to purchase cattle and was paired with a more seasoned mentor to provide council and support during his first years of ranching.
• We've also made some changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan program to make it more accessible and better tailored to the needs of smaller producers. Fruit and vegetable farmers can now use the program to purchase wash and pack stations along with their cold storage equipment, improving food safety and efficiency on the farm. In addition, diversified producers like those selling Community Supported Agriculture shares are eligible for a waiver to the requirement they carry crop insurance or NAP coverage when they apply, if those products aren't right for their business model.
• Equally important to the viability of an operation is access to markets. We've made some changes in this area, too, with the goal of helping small and mid-sized

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