Kerry Credit Unions highlight the success of Cultivate Farm Finance across the County

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This week, Cultivate, the collaborative credit union finance lending platform for farmers, announced that six more credit unions have joined the platform in counties Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Laois, Monaghan, and Wexford.

In Kerry, Listowel Credit Union, Cara Credit Union, Killarney Credit Union and are participating members of Cultivate. The national expansion highlights how more and more farmers are turning to Cultivate for their farm finance.

Speaking on behalf of Listowel Credit Unions, Ashley FitzGerald said:
“We are delighted to welcome six new credit unions to the Cultivate family. Kerry & North Kerry Farmers continue to invest in a sustainable future for their farming enterprises. Our Credit Unions are a specialist provider of finance to farmers and offer flexible unsecured loans up to €50,000. We have seen a consistent growth in our Cultivate farm loans. The reality on the ground is that, despite Covid-19 and Brexit, there is a growing demand among farmers for access to local, friendly finance with quick decision making.”

The average Cultivate loan application in the first 6 months of 2021 was for €26,791, with repayments spread over a 6-year period. The most popular loans were for stocking and working capital (25%), followed closely by farm buildings (24%) and tractor purchases (17%).

Beef farmers continue to drive the majority of Cultivate loan applications, accounting for 7 out of 10 of the total loan applications in the first 6 months of 2021, while dairy farmers accounted for 21%, sheep farmers for 7% and tillage farmers for 2%.

For any farmer who wants to find out more please contact Listowel Credit Union. Tel: 06821938 | Email: loans@listowelcu.ie

Photo: James and Helena capture the mood as Cultivate announce a further growth of its loan offering to more than 100 locations. Demand for the loans is up 50% in the first half of 2021 on the same period in 2020.