Barbara and Ronald Weaver, of Greenfield-based America Agro Products, have been given the first loan issued under the MassDevelopment/Strolling of the Heifers Small Farm Loan Program.

The $10,500 low-interest loan will go towards improvements on a greenhouse facility in Deerfield. America Agro sells basil, grown through a proprietary greenhouse system, to local and regional outlets of Whole Foods Markets, local independent food stores and farm stands, according to a statement.

"As more and more people join the locavore movement, making certain farmers have the financing they need to upgrade their facilities takes on new urgency," said Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment president and CEO. "This loan will help the Weavers meet demand for their basil – differentiated by its unique growing method – by upgrading their greenhouse. As their business grows, shoppers in New England will benefit from a locally grown product that is available all year and stays fresh longer."

MassDevelopment, The Carrot Project and Strolling of the Heifers launched the loan program for small farms in February.