Iroquois Valley starts with the farmer.
You decide on the land that works for you and bring that opportunity to us. We trust that you know what you’re looking for when it comes to building your operation. We are not a farmland trading company. We provide family farmers the land security and financial support to help you regenerate soils and build businesses.
Iroquois Valley was started in 2007 to provide land security to those who want to farm organically. We offer long-term leases, mortgages, and post-investment support to organic, regenerative and transitioning farmers across the United States. Farmers who work with Iroquois Valley are eligible to participate in our Special Farmer Programs, including our own Soil Restoration Pool grant program that funds soil health and conservation projects.
We partner with farmers at all levels of the food system.
Our farmers are located in 20 states and operate on over 36,900 acres, and counting. Many of our farmers are millennials and most come from established farm families.
We are looking for farmers who want to improve their soils while growing healthy food. Iroquois Valley invests only in those who have farming experience, usually with organic production or pasture-based operations, and who have a financially viable operation. It is helpful if you have a family history of successful farm operations, but we know not all have had that opportunity. Our farmers make their own business decisions and run their own operations. We will do our best to be creative and help you through challenges.
We offer customized products based on a holistic underwriting process.
Iroquois Valley evaluates prospective investments based on a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors. We look at debt to income ratios, cash flow to debt, credit score and factors affecting the score, debt to equity, loan to value, operation history, and farming practices. We also take into account whether an applicant qualifies as “socially disadvantaged” to participate in our Rooted in Regeneration program, which can lower interest expense for eligible borrowers.
We are actively reviewing best practices to mindfully expand our risk measurements. Our farmer relations team will guide you through our application and approval process. We continue working with you to navigate challenges, explore new opportunities, and make sure we’re meeting your needs.
Who funds Iroquois Valley?
Iroquois Valley is a public benefit corporation, which means we — and our 925+ investors — want a financial return but we want to make sure that return is consistent with our values as well. These investors provide capital for the company with the understanding that the company needs that money long-term in order to help farmers secure land. Because we are funded by investors and operate as a private lender, our rates are determined by our cost of capital.
Our Products
Long-term Leases
- 6-year initial term with 3-year renewals. Leases can be renewed indefinitely.
- Row crop lease rates are 2.5 – 3.5% and diversified lease rates are 4% – 6%.
- Once a farmer has leased land for 7 years, they have the ongoing opportunity to purchase that land.
Mortgages & Refinances
- 10-year loan term with first 5 years as interest-only payments (no principal) and last five years amortizing. No penalty for early repayment.
- Interest rates range from 7.5-9.5% APR. USDA-NRCS defined socially disadvantaged borrowers may be eligible for interest rate reductions.
- Renewal terms available.
- Longer terms may be possible, particularly when made collaboratively with FSA (Farm Service Agency) program lending.
Pre-approval
- Interested in exploring what it would look like to work together? We offer pre-approval for all of our products. Get in touch to learn more about our process.
Step 1
Explore & Connect
- Discover Iroquois Valley and our mission to support organic, regenerative farmers.
- Connect with our farmer relations team who will listen to your farming aspirations and concerns.
- Learn how we can assist you with land security.
Step 2
Apply & Review
- Provide details about your farm and goals.
- Seek guidance from our team as needed.
- We review your application and assess the compatibility of your goals and practices with our mission and values.
Step 3
Partnership
- Execute a lease and/or financing agreement, signaling the start of our partnership.
- Collaborate with us to establish an agreement tailored to your needs.
- Gain access to our comprehensive support network and resources.
- Engage with other farms and experts in the field to share experiences and gain knowledge.
Step 4
Ongoing Support
- Enjoy peace of mind with our commitment to long-term land security.
- Share your feedback, concerns, and suggestions at any stage of the journey and help shape the future of our partnership.
- Experience ongoing improvements and processes, support systems and services.
