An unknown number of women and Hispanic farmers in Vermont may have been improperly denied loans over a nearly 20 year period, beginning in 1981. Now the Farm Service Agency in Vermont is trying to get the word out to help some of these farmers get the documents they need to apply for restitution.

The town of Bennington is looking at boosting the amount people can borrow under its business loan program.

Low-interest state loans are being offered to businesses and farms that suffered flood damage. The $10 million program will be paid for through a combination of state funds and economic development money.