Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming
111339
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (PR)
SBA Loans for Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming: Financing Growth in Specialty Agriculture
Introduction
Other noncitrus fruit farms grow a variety of fruits beyond citrus crops, including apples, cherries, berries, peaches, and pears. Classified under NAICS 111339 – Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming, this sector plays a vital role in U.S. agriculture by supplying both fresh and processed fruits to markets. While consumer demand for healthy, locally sourced produce continues to grow, farms in this category face financial hurdles such as weather risks, labor costs, equipment investments, and fluctuating commodity prices.
This is where SBA Loans for Noncitrus Fruit Farmers can provide essential support. Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA loans offer longer repayment terms, lower down payments, and government-backed guarantees. These loans help farmers invest in orchards, purchase equipment, hire seasonal workers, and stabilize cash flow while meeting market demand for high-quality fruit.
In this article, we’ll explore NAICS 111339, the financial challenges fruit farmers face, how SBA loans provide solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions from agricultural entrepreneurs.
Industry Overview: NAICS 111339
Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming (NAICS 111339) includes farms that produce:
- Apples, peaches, cherries, and pears
- Plums, apricots, and nectarines
- Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries (not covered by berry-specific categories)
- Specialty fruits for niche and local markets
- Fruit for fresh consumption and processing (juices, jams, frozen products)
This industry is labor- and land-intensive, requiring strong planning and capital investment for sustainable operations.
Common Pain Points in Noncitrus Fruit Farming Financing
From Reddit’s r/farming, r/agriculture, and Quora discussions, fruit farmers often highlight these challenges:
- Weather Dependence – Frost, drought, and storms can devastate crops.
- Labor Shortages – Seasonal harvesting requires large labor pools, often hard to secure.
- High Equipment Costs – Tractors, sprayers, and cold storage units require major investment.
- Market Volatility – Fruit prices fluctuate due to oversupply, imports, and retailer negotiations.
- Perishability – Fresh fruit has short shelf life, demanding efficient storage and distribution.
How SBA Loans Help Fruit Farmers
SBA financing provides affordable, flexible capital that helps noncitrus fruit farmers expand production, invest in infrastructure, and manage seasonal risks.
SBA 7(a) Loan
- Best for: Working capital, payroll, or refinancing farm debt
- Loan size: Up to $5 million
- Why it helps: Provides liquidity for seeds, fertilizer, payroll, and operating expenses
SBA 504 Loan
- Best for: Orchards, equipment, or cold storage facilities
- Loan size: Up to $5.5 million
- Why it helps: Ideal for planting orchards, irrigation systems, or expanding farm infrastructure
SBA Microloans
- Best for: Small or startup fruit farms
- Loan size: Up to $50,000
- Why it helps: Useful for purchasing seedlings, small tools, or local marketing
SBA Disaster Loans
- Best for: Farms impacted by drought, frost, or storms
- Loan size: Up to $2 million
- Why it helps: Provides recovery funds for lost crops, damaged orchards, or irrigation repairs
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an SBA Loan
- Check Eligibility – Must be a U.S.-based, for-profit farm with good personal credit (typically 650+)
- Prepare Financial Documents – Include tax returns, crop yield reports, equipment quotes, and farm plans
- Find an SBA-Approved Lender – Some lenders specialize in agricultural and rural lending
- Submit Application – Provide a business plan highlighting crop types, yield projections, and market strategies
- Underwriting & Approval – SBA guarantees reduce lender risk. Approval typically takes 30–90 days
FAQ: SBA Loans for Noncitrus Fruit Farmers
Why do banks often deny loans to fruit farmers?
Banks may view fruit farms as risky due to weather exposure, perishability, and volatile pricing. SBA guarantees reduce this risk and improve approval chances.
Can SBA loans finance orchards, irrigation, and cold storage?
Yes. SBA 7(a) and 504 loans can fund orchard planting, greenhouse structures, irrigation, and refrigeration units.
What down payment is required?
SBA loans typically require 10–20% down, compared to 25–30% for conventional agricultural loans.
Are startup fruit farms eligible?
Yes. Farmers with land access, co-op memberships, or distribution contracts may qualify for SBA microloans or 7(a) financing.
What repayment terms are available?
- Working capital: Up to 7 years
- Equipment/infrastructure: Up to 10 years
- Land/orchards: Up to 25 years
Can SBA loans support organic or specialty crop production?
Absolutely. Many farmers use SBA financing to expand into organic certification, specialty fruits, and direct-to-consumer markets.
Final Thoughts
The Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming industry is vital to U.S. agriculture but faces financial hurdles tied to weather, perishability, and labor. SBA Loans for Fruit Farmers provide affordable, flexible financing to stabilize operations, invest in orchards, and expand production.
Whether you operate a family-owned orchard or a commercial fruit farm, SBA financing can provide the resources you need. Connect with an SBA-approved lender today and explore your funding options under NAICS 111339.
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#Preferred Lenders Program
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#Existing or more than 2 years old
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#Change of Ownership
#New Business or 2 years or less
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#Variable Rates
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#Asset Base Working Capital Line (CAPLine)
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#Seasonal Line of Credit (CAPLine)
#Builders Line of Credit (CAPLine)