Beginning farmers and small farm operators who qualify now have access to low interest loans that may help reverse the trend of farm population in Oregon that’s getting older.  The Oregon Deparment of Agriculture’s Stephanie Page says the Beginning and Expanding Farmer Loan Program, better known as the Aggie Bond Program, is now up and running to provide affordable financing to farmers who need to make capital purchases.  The Aggie Bond Program makes use of a tax-exempt bond that essentially allows the lender to offer a lower interest rate because the interest income to the lender is exempt from federal income tax.  Page notes people need to have a good business plan and speak to a lender and make sure they are qualified for a loan before entering the program.