The Farm Credit System (FCS) is a relatively minor source of Farm Service Agency guaranteed credit, accounting for just 15% of the total guaranteed farm loan program volume at the beginning of 1997. Commercial banks remain the primary supplier of guaranteed credit to US farmers, supplying more than 80% of the $6.4 billion in outstanding FSA-guaranteed loan volume at the start of 1997. Thrifts, credit unions, non-profits, and others supply the balance of guaranteed loans. While the FCS's share of guaranteed volume is much less than its 26% share of total farm business debt, the commercial bank system's share is much greater than its 40% share of total farm business debt.