Communities Unlimited (CU) has launched a new Farm Lending Program designed to support small-scale farmers across its seven-state footprint, filling a critical gap for those who face barriers to accessing traditional financing.

The program, funded by the Sachs Foundation, provides much-needed capital for small-scale farmers like Ollie and Chloe Cox, owners of Mator Farms in Turrell, Arkansas, located in Crittenden County. Their farm is the first to receive funding under this initiative, marking a significant step in the Coxes’ journey to expand their operations and continue making a difference in their community.

CU’s Farm Lending Program specifically supports small-scale farmers who have been turned down by traditional banks. To qualify, farmers must meet several criteria: they need at least one year of farming experience, reliable buyers or contracts, a clear understanding of production costs, and a recent history of managing debt responsibly. Additionally, applicants must provide financial projections demonstrating how the loan will help their farm succeed and allow them to repay it.

Ollie and Chloe Cox began Mator Farms out of a shared passion for family and community, envisioning a small-scale farming operation that would not only provide for their family but also contribute to the local economy.

Their journey began with just four acres of land, secured through a handshake deal with an elderly landowner. Over time, they expanded to seven acres, growing mustard greens, turnip greens, and okra. Despite their hard work and dedication, scaling up their farm came with challenges, particularly cash flow issues that made it difficult to keep up with growing demand for their produce.

Enter the Lending and Healthy Foods Teams at CU. Chloe first learned about CU from Candence Brooks, an Economic Development Loan Officer.

“I first heard about Communities Unlimited at a small business symposium where Candence was presenting,” Chloe said. “Later, feeling prompted, I found their card in my wallet and called. I told Candence, ‘Hey, girl, I need your help,’ and she jumped right in. The rest is history.”

That phone call was the beginning of a fruitful relationship that has helped Mator Farms reach new heights. Candence explains the vision behind CU’s new Small Farm Lending Program.

This was precisely the support Ollie and Chloe needed to keep their farm going strong. Brooks facilitated the loan for Mator Farms and the couple closed on their loan for working capital and supplies on September 24, 2024.

“We bought a spreader and a sprayer, but most of it went to labor costs — paying people to harvest our produce,” Ollie said. “We were cash-strapped at the time, and the loan helped keep everything moving.”

The Coxes’ farm has become a symbol of hope in their community, providing fresh produce to food banks, pantries, and school systems across Arkansas.

“We want to double down on everything and realize the full potential of our property,” Ollie said. “We’d love to buy more land eventually, but for now, we’re focused on maximizing what we’ve got.”

One of the keys to Mator Farms’ recent success has been the strategic support they’ve received from Brenda Williams, CU’s Healthy Foods Coordinator. CU introduced the Coxes to grant opportunities, including the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program.

“Brenda has been awesome,” Candence said. “She provides so many resources that small farmers don’t even know are available to them.”

With CU’s guidance, Mator Farms secured a contract to supply produce to food banks in Jonesboro and Little Rock, as well as the DeSoto School system in West Helena. With the RFSI grant, they plan to purchase a refrigerated truck, making their deliveries more efficient.

Despite their progress, the Coxes face ongoing challenges in meeting increased demand. The loan from CU’s Small Farm Lending Program will provide the working capital they need to complete their harvest and fulfill outstanding orders.

For CU, the success of Mator Farms represents just the beginning of what’s possible through the Small Farm Lending Program.

“This is just one farm,” Candence said. “We’re just getting started across all of our states, especially in Arkansas and Louisiana. There are so many farms that need this help, and I’m very excited about what we can do and how we can make an impact in the communities we work in.”

Brenda echoes this sentiment.

Ollie offers advice to other small farmers looking for financial assistance.

“I’d advise people to seek out organizations like Communities Unlimited because traditional banks aren’t friendly to small-scale farmers like us,” Ollie said. “If I had to do it over again, I’d have reached out to you all much sooner.”

Chloe agrees.

With the help of CU, Ollie and Chloe Cox are not only sustaining their farm but also building a legacy for their children and their community.

“We worry about the future of our children and our community,” Ollie said. “We want to leave something meaningful.”

With access to funding from CU’s Small Farm Lending Program, Mator Farms is empowered to take the next step to create the change they want to see in their community.