USDA has announced the creation of a new $150 million investment fund to assist in the growth of ag businesses.  The new Rural Business Investment Company will allow USDA to facilitate private equity investments.  Advantage Capital Partners will manage the fund with investment from eight Farm Credit institutions.  Farm Credit Services of America is one of those and Sr. Vice President of Commercial Lending Jim Roberge says they’re excited about this public private partnership.

He says their role will be to help rural businesses involved in bioenergy production, regional food systems or other technologies, with the capital they need to grow and create jobs.

Other area Farm Credit Institutions providing initial investments to the fund are Ag Star Financial Services and United Farm Credit Service, both based in Minnesota.