Agri-Business Loan

Start-up businesses will not be able to qualify for this facility. This product is geared towards established operation > 2 years in business /may be varied on the advice of the technical support network/Agri-Specialist at the Centre for Business Innovation.

Any business/individual can qualify within the Agri Business value chain.

Any Agri type business from seedlings, transport / rental of farm equipment, wholesale/retail, farmers, manufacturing, poultry, livestock, fishing, aquaponics, hydroponics, etc. within the chain.

Short-term crops are usually harvested within 4 to 20 weeks. A few examples include.
• Lettuce – 4 weeks
• Patchoi – 6 weeks
• Egg Plants / Tomatoes / Hot peppers 16 to 20 weeks

For egg plants / tomatoes and hot peppers, it takes around 5 months to grow the crop and an additional month to sell it. Therefore, the facility should be reserved for a duration of up to 6 months to accommodate this timeline.

Some examples of short-term livestock include:
• Pigs - 5 to 6 months
• Broilers - 6 to 8 weeks
• Goats – 6 to 12 months
• Rabbits – 12 weeks
• Cows – 9 months

Businesses classified as Secondary Processors typically include food processing companies that transform raw agricultural products into value-added goods. These businesses often have established commercial or wholesale connections and may participate in farmers' markets. Additionally, their products are commonly purchased by supermarkets. Examples of such businesses could be food processors, food packaging companies, juice or sauce producers, and companies that create frozen or dried foods from agricultural produce.

Input providers in the agricultural value chain are businesses or entities that supply various inputs necessary for farming activities.
These inputs can include:
• Seeds and seedlings
• Fertilizers and soil amendments
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Agricultural machinery and equipment
• Irrigation systems
• Livestock feed
• Veterinary services and animal health products
• Agrochemicals
• Farming tools and implement

A reduced / special rate of 7% Fixed will be applied.

Financial Statements will not be required, however, verification of a minimum of 50% of declared income will be required by either deposits to an account or presentation of invoices.

If the customer has an existing MSME loan, this loan must be consolidated in the new request for the Agri Business Loan. At no time should any one customer avail of both facilities simultaneously.

Businesses classified as producers typically include: • Drip to waste
• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
• Any other soilless methods

Input providers assist in pre-production inputs. These inputs can include:
• Greenhouse-grade fertilizers (NPK, Cal, Mg)
• Suppliers of drip-tape, valves, sprinklers / misters
• Builders of shade houses \ greenhouses

It can be used for, but not limited to, any or all of the following:
1. Equipment Financing to purchase hydroponic essentials including:
• Irrigation equipment such as water pumps and installation of misting systems and reservoirs.
• Structural equipment such as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) channels, drip-to-waste racks, and construction of greenhouses.
• Electrical equipment such as lighting fixtures and digital timers.
• Mechanical equipment such as mist blowers and testers.

2. Working Capital Loans to cover ongoing operational expenses, including seedlings, greenhouse grade fertilizers, and general system maintenance.

3. Expansion Financing for farmers looking to grow their businesses, reach broader markets, diversify their crop offerings, or simply increase capacity.

The product will be considered under two (2) tiers as follows:
• Tier 1 – A maximum of TT$150,000.00 which can include a credit card up to US$2,500.00 (TT$17,000.00).
• Tier 2 – A maximum of TT$300,000.00 which can include a credit card up to US$3,500.00 (TT$23,800.00).

Please note that if a credit card is availed, the loan plus the credit card must not cross the maximum allowed in each Tier.

Businesses classified as Secondary Processors typically involve:
• Storing and processing products into finished goods such as meat, liquid, and powdered eggs.
• Provision of non-basic packaging.
• Transportation.

Input providers assist in pre-production inputs. These inputs can include:
• Hatcheries
• Chicks
• Feed and medication
• Veterinary services
• Equipment

• Infrastructure development to purchase poultry houses and coops, along with feeding and watering systems.
• Renovation and upgrades to improve their existing facilities such as upgrading poultry houses, improving ventilation and cooling systems, and modernization of equipment.
• Equipment purchases including:
- feeders and drinkers.
- lighting and ventilations systems and egg collection systems.
- Retrofitting, heat proofing, including installation of insulation, improved ventilation and cooling systems, and reflective roofing materials.
• Working Capital to cover ongoing operational expenses, including feed, veterinary bills and utilities.
• Maintenance-related expenses relating to ongoing maintenance costs for equipment and infrastructure.
• Expansion financing for farmers looking to grow their businesses, reach broader markets, diversify their offerings or simply increase capacity by:
- Building additional poultry houses.
- Expanding into new markets.
- Increasing flock size.