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ISMEA Credit Guarantees: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how ISMEA credit guarantees can provide public backing for your agricultural bank loans and investments.

This scheme provides public guarantees on bank loans to help support various investments within the agricultural sector.

Who it's for

This program is specifically designed for individuals and businesses operating within the agricultural industry. It is primarily aimed at young farmers looking to start or expand their operations, as well as agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What you get

The main benefit is access to a public guarantee on bank loans. This mechanism is designed to help you secure the financing needed for significant agricultural investments. By providing this backing, the scheme aims to make it easier for agricultural businesses to obtain the credit necessary to grow or modernize their operations.

What it costs you

While the guarantee itself is a form of support, using this scheme requires significant preparation. You will need to produce a solid, professional business plan that clearly outlines your intended investment and how it will be managed. Furthermore, because the guarantee is used alongside traditional lending, you must undergo a formal bank approval process to move forward.

The catch to know

The most important thing to understand is that the guarantee is provided to the bank to mitigate their risk; it is not a direct cash payment to the farmer. Because the guarantee covers the lender, you are still responsible for the loan. Therefore, you still need to demonstrate sufficient creditworthiness to your bank to qualify for the financing in the first place.

How to apply

  1. Prepare a comprehensive and detailed business plan that covers your specific agricultural investment needs.
  2. Approach your bank to discuss your financing requirements and inquire about how the ISMEA guarantee applies to your loan.
  3. Undergo the bank's standard credit assessment and approval process.
  4. Follow the bank's specific instructions for submitting the guarantee application once your loan is approved.

For more information, visit the official portal: https://www.ismea.it