The number of credit unions offering Cultivate farm loans has grown to almost 90 following the addition of 11 new locations.

Cultivate is a collaborative credit union finance lending platform for farmers.

The four new credit unions, with 11 offices, which are joining the initiative are Athlone Credit Union, Connect Credit Union in Louth, Drogheda Credit Union and Glanmire Credit Union in Cork.

In 2020, the average loan application from farmers in all sectors was up 5% year-on-year to €24,800. The loans were mainly used for on-farm activities including, stocking and working capital (25%), farm buildings (20%) and tractor purchase (16%).

John Doyle, a Cultivate board member, said: “With these additional credit unions joining Cultivate, Irish farmers in counties Cork, Louth, Meath and Westmeath now have better access to farm finance from people who really understand farming.

“As a specialist provider of finance to farmers, Cultivate Credit Unions are holding on to and nurturing everything that our farming members value: we spend time with our members, we listen to them, and ultimately, we try to solve their problems and meet their needs.”

Doyle, who is also CEO of St Jarlath’s Credit Union in Tuam, said the feedback from farmers who have taken out Cultivate loans over the last three years has been very positive.

Participating credit unions offer flexible unsecured loans up to €50,000 over a seven-year period.

Farmers interested in finding out more can go to www.Cultivate-CU.ie or call 1800 839999.