New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Charles City farmer recognized as certified grower

By Community Member | May 10, 2019 3:51 pm

Using microloans through the USDA, Amy Hicks has been recognized as a certified grower of fruits and vegetables.

Amy Hicks, owner and operator of Amy’s Garden in Charles City, Virginia, have been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) as a certified grower of a large variety of organic vegetables, small fruits, and flowers on the farm.

Through microloans, Hicks and her husband, George Ferguson, began a small operation and received loans to help grow their garden.

“FSA has made it possible for us to expand the business by improving infrastructure,” said Hicks in a press release. “We are truly grateful for the help FSA offered with the low interest rates and generous terms.”

The program provides guaranteed loans to farmers and ranchers to sustain family farms to promote a thriving agricultural economy. Producers can receive a $50,000 farm ownership microloan and a $50,000 operating microloan.

“Our plans are simply to get better at what we are doing,” Hicks added. “Not necessarily grow larger, but become more efficient, have less waste, and continue to provide good, clean, nutrient-dense organic produce to those in our community.”