Agricultural lenders recently surveyed in the upper Midwest indicated a mixed sense of optimism for the future of organic and sustainable farming and an unequivocal willingness to learn more about them. The current level of understanding of these farming practices among lenders is often low, however. This, combined with an undertone of skepticism, could limit lender participation in this growing market. The perception that there will be further growth in this unique farming sector, especially in organics, is no longer subject to dispute.