SUBCHAPTER III—EMERGENCY LOANS
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Emergency Agricultural Credit
Pub. L. 95–334, title II, §§201–211, Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 429–433, as amended by Pub. L. 96–220, §1, Mar. 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 129; Pub. L. 97–98, title XVI, §1605, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1346; Pub. L. 98–258, title VI, §603, Apr. 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIII, §1310(b), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1523, which authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to insure or guarantee loans to (1) bona fide farmers and ranchers who were primarily and directly engaged in agricultural production and who were citizens of the United States and (2) farm cooperatives and private domestic corporations and partnerships that were primarily and directly engaged in agricultural production and in which a majority interest was held by members, stockholders, or partners, as applicable, who themselves were citizens of the United States and were primarily and directly engaged in agricultural production, if the applicant for such loan: (A) had the experience or training and resources necessary to assure a reasonable prospect for successful operation with the assistance of such loan; (B) needed such credit in order to maintain a viable agricultural production operation; and (C) was not able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere due to economic stresses, such as a general tightening of agricultural credit or an unfavorable relationship between production costs and prices received for agricultural commodities; and which provided requirements as to purposes of loans, loan limits, interest rates, repayment period, loan certifications and conditions, loan security, funding, maximum amount of outstanding loans, full faith and credit of the United States, issuance of certificates of beneficial ownership, assignment of contracts of guarantee, geographical availability, the conduct of a study and report on the program, and termination of authority to make new contracts of insurance or guarantee on Sept. 30, 1982, except with respect to the economic emergency loan program operated from Dec. 22, 1983, to Sept. 30, 1984, was repealed by Pub. L. 101–624, title XVIII, §1851, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3837.
Emergency Livestock Credit
Pub. L. 93–357, July 25, 1974, 88 Stat. 391, as amended by Pub. L. 94–35, §1, June 16, 1975, 89 Stat. 213; Pub. L. 94–517, Oct. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 2446; Pub. L. 95–334, title III, §301, Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 433; Pub. L. 96–470, title I, §102(d), Oct. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 2237, authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to bona fide farmers and ranchers, including bona fide farmers or ranchers owning livestock that were fed in custom feedyards, who were primarily and directly engaged in agricultural production and who had substantial operations in breeding, raising, fattening, or marketing livestock, and to corporations or partnerships when a majority interest in such corporations or partnerships was held by stockholders or partners who themselves were primarily and directly engaged in such agricultural production and required the Secretary to guarantee loans, including both principal and interest, made by any legally organized lending agency. The provisions also provided requirements as to loan limits, fees or charges, interest rates, repayment period, loan certifications and conditions, loan security, maximum amount of outstanding loans, exclusion from budget totals, full faith and credit of the United States, issuance of certificates of beneficial ownership, assignment of contracts of guarantee, rules and regulations, and termination of authority to make new guarantees on Sept. 30, 1979.
§1961. Eligibility for loans
(a) Persons eligible
The Secretary shall make and insure loans under this subchapter only to the extent and in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts to (1) established farmers or ranchers (including equine farmers or ranchers), or persons engaged in aquaculture, who are citizens of the United States and who are (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subchapter I) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II) operators of not larger than family farms, and (2) farm cooperatives, private domestic corporations, partnerships, joint operations, trusts, or limited liability companies, or such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate (A) that are engaged primarily in farming or ranching (including equine farming or ranching) or aquaculture, and (B) in which a majority interest is held by individuals who are citizens of the United States and who are (in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subchapter I) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II) operators of not larger than family farms (or in the case of such cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, joint operations, trusts, or limited liability companies, or other legal entities in which a majority interest is held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary, such individuals must be either owners or operators of not larger than a family farm and at least one such individual must be an operator of not larger than a family farm), where the Secretary finds that the applicants' farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations have been substantially affected by a quarantine imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act [7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.] or the animal quarantine laws (as defined in section 136a of title 21), a natural disaster in the United States, or a major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided, That they have experience and resources necessary to assure a reasonable prospect for successful operation with the assistance of such loan and are not able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. In addition to the foregoing requirements of this subsection, in the case of farm cooperatives, private domestic corporations, partnerships, joint operations, trusts, limited liability companies, and such other legal entities, the family farm requirement of the preceding sentence shall apply as well to all farms in which the entity has an ownership or operator interest (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter I) or an operator interest (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II). The Secretary shall accept applications from, and make or insure loans pursuant to the requirements of this subchapter to, applicants, otherwise eligible under this subchapter, that conduct farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations in any county contiguous to a county where the Secretary has found that farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations have been substantially affected by a quarantine imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act [7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.] or the animal quarantine laws (as defined in section 136a of title 21), a natural disaster in the United States, or a major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). The Secretary shall accept applications for assistance under this subchapter from persons affected by such a quarantine or natural disaster at any time during the eight-month period beginning (A) on the date on which the Secretary determines that farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations have been substantially affected by such quarantine or natural disaster or (B) on the date the President makes the major disaster or emergency designation with respect to such natural disaster, as the case may be. An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm.
(b) Hazard insurance requirement
(1) In general
After the Secretary makes the determination required by paragraph (2), the Secretary may not make a loan to a farmer or rancher under this subchapter to cover a property loss unless the farmer or rancher had hazard insurance that insured the property at the time of the loss.
(2) Determination
Not later than 180 days after April 4, 1996, the Secretary shall determine the appropriate level of insurance to be required under paragraph (1).
(3) Loans to poultry farmers
(A) Inability to obtain insurance
(i) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, the Secretary may make a loan to a poultry farmer under this subchapter to cover the loss of a chicken house for which the farmer did not have hazard insurance at the time of the loss, if the farmer—
(I) applied for, but was unable, to obtain hazard insurance for the chicken house;
(II) uses the loan to rebuild the chicken house in accordance with industry standards in effect on the date the farmer submits an application for the loan (referred to in this paragraph as "current industry standards");
(III) obtains, for the term of the loan, hazard insurance for the full market value of the chicken house; and
(IV) meets the other requirements for the loan under this subchapter.
(ii) Amount
Subject to the limitation contained in section 1964(a)(2) of this title, the amount of a loan made to a poultry farmer under clause (i) shall be an amount that will allow the farmer to rebuild the chicken house in accordance with current industry standards.
(B) Loans to comply with current industry standards
(i) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, the Secretary may make a loan to a poultry farmer under this subchapter to cover the loss of a chicken house for which the farmer had hazard insurance at the time of the loss, if—
(I) the amount of the hazard insurance is less than the cost of rebuilding the chicken house in accordance with current industry standards;
(II) the farmer uses the loan to rebuild the chicken house in accordance with current industry standards;
(III) the farmer obtains, for the term of the loan, hazard insurance for the full market value of the chicken house; and
(IV) the farmer meets the other requirements for the loan under this subchapter.
(ii) Amount
Subject to the limitation contained in section 1964(a)(2) of this title, the amount of a loan made to a poultry farmer under clause (i) shall be the difference between—
(I) the amount of the hazard insurance obtained by the farmer; and
(II) the cost of rebuilding the chicken house in accordance with current industry standards.
(c) Family farm system
The Secretary shall conduct the emergency loan program under this subchapter in a manner that will foster and encourage the family farm system of agriculture, consistent with the reaffirmation of policy and declaration of the intent of Congress contained in section 2266(a) of this title.
(d) Definitions
For the purposes of this subchapter—
(1) "aquaculture" means the husbandry of aquatic organisms under a controlled or selected environment; and
(2) "able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere" means able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance the applicant's actual needs at reasonable rates and terms, taking into consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates and terms in the community in or near which the applicant resides for loans for similar purposes and periods of time.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §321, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 311; Pub. L. 87–832, Oct. 15, 1962, 76 Stat. 958; Pub. L. 93–24, §§2, 3, 6, Apr. 20, 1973, 87 Stat. 24, 25; Pub. L. 93–237, §10(a), (d), Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1025; Pub. L. 94–68, §§2, 3, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 95–334, title I, §118, Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 426; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §120(a), July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 841; Pub. L. 96–438, §3(a), (b)(1), Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1872; Pub. L. 97–35, title I, §161, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 378; Pub. L. 98–258, title VI, §602(a), Apr. 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 138; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIII, §1308(a), (b)(1), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1522; Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §109(c)(1), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4708; Pub. L. 104–127, title VI, §621(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 106–387, §1(a) [title VIII, §833], Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1549, 1549A-61; Pub. L. 107–171, title V, §§5201(a), 5302, 5501(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 344, 351; Pub. L. 110–234, title V, §5201, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1146; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title V, §5201, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1908; Pub. L. 113–79, title V, §5201, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 838; Pub. L. 115–334, title V, §5401(a)(1), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4674.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Plant Protection Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is title IV of Pub. L. 106–224, June 20, 2000, 114 Stat. 438, which is classified principally to chapter 104 (§7701 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7701 of this title and Tables.
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, which is classified principally to chapter 68 (§5121 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of Title 42 and Tables.
Codification
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, in second sentence, substituted "limited liability companies, and such other legal entities" for "and limited liability companies".
2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–79, §5201(4), inserted before period at end "An entity that is an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection shall be considered to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity of the entity is owned directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family farm."
Pub. L. 113–79, §5201(3), in second sentence, substituted "ownership or operator" for "ownership and operator".
Pub. L. 113–79, §5201(2)(C), which directed substitution of "limited liability companies, and such other legal entities" for "and limited liability companies," in first sentence and could not be executed as directed, was superseded by Pub. L. 115–334, §5401(a)(1). See 2018 Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2018 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 113–79, §5201(1), (2)(A), (B), in first sentence, substituted "(in the case of farm ownership loans in accordance with subchapter I) owner-operators or operators, or (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II) operators" for "owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter I of this chapter) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II of this chapter)" in two places, and inserted ", or such other legal entities as the Secretary considers appropriate" after "limited liability companies" the first place appearing and ", or other legal entities" after "limited liability companies" the second place appearing.
2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §5201(1), substituted "farmers or ranchers (including equine farmers or ranchers)" for "farmers, ranchers".
Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, §5201(2), substituted "farming or ranching (including equine farming or ranching)" for "farming, ranching,".
2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–171 substituted "a quarantine imposed by the Secretary under the Plant Protection Act or the animal quarantine laws (as defined in section 136a of title 21), a natural disaster in the United States, or" for "a natural disaster in the United States or by" in two places, "Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)" for "Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act" in two places, "joint operations, trusts, or limited liability companies" for "or joint operations" in two places, "joint operations, trusts, and limited liability companies" for "and joint operations", "such a quarantine or natural disaster at any time" for "a natural disaster at any time", and "by such quarantine or natural disaster or (B)" for "by such natural disaster or (B)".
2000—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 106–387 added par. (3).
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–127 added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "An applicant shall be ineligible for financial assistance under this subchapter for crop losses if crop insurance was available to the applicant for such crop losses under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)."
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–707 substituted "and Emergency Assistance Act" for "Act of 1974" in two places.
1985—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–198, §1308(a), inserted "and who are owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter I of this chapter) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II of this chapter) of not larger than family farms" after "United States" in cl. (1) of first sentence, extended applicability to joint operations, and substituted requirement that a majority interest be held by individuals who are citizens of the United States and who are owner-operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter I of this chapter) or operators (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II of this chapter) of not larger than family farms (or in the case of such cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, or joint operations in which a majority interest is held by individuals who are related by blood or marriage, as defined by the Secretary, that such individuals must be either owners or operators of not larger than a family farm and at least one such individual must be an operator of not larger than a family farm) for requirement that a majority interest be held by members, stockholders or partners who are citizens of the United States, in cl. (2) of first sentence, and inserted provision extending the family farm requirement to all farms in which the entity has an ownership and operator interest (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter I of this chapter) or an operator interest (in the case of loans for a purpose under subchapter II of this chapter).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–198, §1308(b)(1), amended subsec. (b) generally, substituting provision declaring a loan applicant ineligible for financial assistance for crop losses where crop insurance was available to the applicant for former provision which made applicants eligible for loans, though able to obtain credit elsewhere, subject to the other terms and conditions for loans under this subchapter and as prescribed under regulations by the Secretary.
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–258 inserted provisions directing the Secretary to accept applications from, and make or insure loans pursuant to the requirements of this subchapter to, applicants, otherwise eligible under this subchapter, that conduct farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations in any county contiguous to a county where the Secretary has found that farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations have been substantially affected by a natural disaster in the United States or by a major disaster or emergency designated by the President under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974, and further directing the Secretary to accept applications for assistance under this subchapter from persons affected by a natural disaster at any time during the eight-month period beginning (A) on the date on which the Secretary determines that farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations have been substantially affected by such natural disaster or (B) on the date the President makes the major disaster or emergency designation with respect to such natural disaster, as the case may be.
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–35 inserted provisions relating to requirement for advance appropriation of amounts.
1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–348, §3(a), (b)(1), repealed section 120 of Pub. L. 96–302 (see par. below) and amended section generally, designating existing provisions as subsec. (a) and, as so designated, restoring provision to proviso requiring loan recipients to be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere.
Pub. L. 96–302, §120(a) (see par. above), struck out from proviso requirement that persons to be eligible for loans be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms, taking into consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates and terms in the community in or near which they reside for loans for similar purposes and periods of time.
Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 96–438, §3(b)(1), added subsecs. (b) to (d).
1978—Pub. L. 95–334 struck out subsec. (a) which set forth provisions relating to designation of emergency areas and definition of term "aquaculture", and incorporated provisions of subsec. (b) as entire section and, as so incorporated, substituted provisions relating to criteria authorizing the Secretary to make and insure loans, for provisions relating to criteria authorizing the Secretary to make loans in designated areas.
1975—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–68, §2, substituted provisions authorizing the Secretary to designate an emergency area if he finds that a natural disaster has occurred in that area which substantially affected farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations for provisions authorizing the Secretary to designate an emergency area if he finds that there exists in that area a general need for agricultural credit and that the need for such credit in that area is the result of a natural disaster, and inserted definition of "aquaculture".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–68, §3, extended the authority of the Secretary to make loans to areas designated by the President as "Emergency" pursuant to Disaster Relief Act of 1970, substituted reference to persons engaged in aquaculture and aquaculture for reference to oyster planters and oyster planting respectively, struck out provision that such loans be made without regard to whether the required financial assistance is otherwise available from private, cooperative, or other responsible sources, inserted requirement that the loan applicant be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms, and inserted sentence that the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to loan applications filed prior to July 9, 1975.
1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–237, §10(d), struck out "which cannot be met for temporary periods of time by private, cooperative, or other responsible sources (including loans the Secretary is authorized to make or insure under subchapters I and II of this chapter or any other Act of Congress), at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time" after "a general need for agricultural credit".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–237, §10(a), struck out ", and are unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms, taking into consideration prevailing practice and cooperative rates and terms in the community in or near which the applicant resides for loans for similar purposes and periods of time" after "a reasonable prospect for successful operation with the assistance of such loan" and inserted provision that the loans be made without regard to whether the required financial assistance is otherwise available from the private, cooperative, or other responsible sources.
1973—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–24, §§2, 6, substituted in parenthetical text "authorized to make or insure under subchapters I and II of this chapter" for "authorized to make under subchapter II of this chapter or to make or insure under subchapter I of this chapter" and introductory words "shall designate" for "may designate".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–24, §3, substituted introductory text "shall make loans in any such area designated by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and in any area designated as a major disaster by the President pursuant to the provisions of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970, as amended," for "is authorized to make loans in any such area" and ": Provided, That" for "provided" before "they have experience".
1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–832 authorized loans to established oyster planters and to private domestic corporations or partnerships engaged primarily in oyster planting.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–334, title V, §5401(a)(2), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4674, provided that: "The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 5201(2)(C) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–79) in lieu of the amendment made by such section."
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–127, title VI, §621(b), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1091, provided that: "Section 321(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act [7 U.S.C. 1961(b)(1)] shall not apply until the Secretary of Agriculture makes the determination required by section 321(b)(2) of the Act." [The Secretary's determination relating to hazard insurance under this provision was contained in interim rules published Mar. 3, 1997, and effective Mar. 24, 1997, see 62 F.R. 9351.]
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–198, title XIII, §1308(b)(2), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1522, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall not apply to a person whose eligibility for an emergency loan is the result of damage to an annual crop planted or harvested before the end of 1986."
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–258, title VI, §602(c), Apr. 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 139, provided that: "the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1964 of this title] shall be applicable to disasters occurring after May 30, 1983."
Effective Date of 1980 Amendments
Pub. L. 96–438, §3(d), Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1875, provided that: "The amendments to subtitle C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act made by subsection (b) of this section [amending this section and sections 1962 to 1964 and 1971 of this title] shall be effective with respect to loans approved by the Secretary of Agriculture under subtitle C [this subchapter] after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 1980], except that, for borrowers with loans outstanding under subtitle C as of December 15, 1979—
"(1) the limits on loans under section 324 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act [section 1964 of this title] made by subsection (b)(1) of this section [amending this section and sections 1962 to 1964 of this title], and
"(2) the reduction in the time limit on subsequent emergency loans under section 330 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act [section 1971 of this title] made by subsection (b)(2) of this section [amending section 1971 of this title]
shall not apply to subsequent emergency loans under section 330 (as in effect on the date preceding the date of enactment of this Act) that are made to such borrowers for the disasters for which the borrowers obtained loans under subtitle C prior to December 16, 1979."
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
Effective Date of 1974 Amendment
Pub. L. 93–237, §10(b), Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1025, provided that: "The provisions of subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall be given effect with respect to all loan applications and loans made in connection with a disaster occurring on or after April 20, 1973."
Pub. L. 93–237, §10(d), Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1025, provided in part that: "The provisions of this subsection [amending this section] shall be given effect with respect to all loan applications and loans made in connection with a disaster occurring on or after December 27, 1972."
Ineligibility for Emergency Loans
Pub. L. 101–82, title III, §301, Aug. 14, 1989, 103 Stat. 581, provided that: "Section 321(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(b)) shall not apply to a person who otherwise would be eligible for an emergency loan under subtitle C of such Act [7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.], if such eligibility is the result of damage to an annual crop planted for harvest in 1989."
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior act:
Pub. L. 100–387, title III, §311, Aug. 11, 1988, 102 Stat. 948.
Ninety-Day Extension After January 2, 1974, of Deadline for Seeking Assistance With Regard to Disasters Occurring on or After December 27, 1972
Pub. L. 93–237, §10(c), Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1025, provided that: "With regard to all disasters occurring on or after December 27, 1972, the Secretary of Agriculture shall extend for ninety days after the date of enactment of this section [Jan. 2, 1974] the deadline for seeking assistance under section 321 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act [this section] as amended by this section [amending this section]."
§1962. Loan determination factors; written credit declinations
(a) For the purpose of determining whether to make or insure any loan under this subchapter, the Secretary shall take into consideration the net worth of the applicant involved, including all the assets and liabilities of the applicant.
(b) For the purpose of determining whether an applicant under this subchapter is not able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, the Secretary shall require at least one written indication of declination of credit, from a legally organized lending institution within reasonable proximity to the applicant, that specifies the reasons for the declination: Provided, That for loans in excess of $300,000, the Secretary shall require at least two such written declinations: Provided further, That for loans of $100,000 or less, the Secretary may waive the requirement of this subsection if the Secretary determines that it would impose an undue burden on the applicant.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §322, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 311; Pub. L. 94–68, §4, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 96–438, §3(b)(1), Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1873; Pub. L. 104–127, title VI, §622, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1091.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–127 substituted "loans of $100,000 or less" for "loans of $300,000 or less".
1980—Pub. L. 96–438 substituted provisions prescribing factors to be considered in determining whether to make or insure a loan and relating to the need for applicants unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to provide written credit declinations for provisions relating to the purpose and extent of loans under this subchapter.
1975—Pub. L. 94–68 extended authority to finance crop or livestock changes deemed desirable as a result of changes in market demand, and to make emergency loans in excess of the actual loss sustained as a result of the natural disaster.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–127 effective 90 days after Apr. 4, 1996, see section 663(b) of Pub. L. 104–127, set out as a note under section 1922 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–438 effective with respect to loans approved after Oct. 13, 1980, except for certain subsequent emergency loans, see section 3(d) of Pub. L. 96–438, set out as a note under section 1961 of this title.
§1963. Purpose and extent of loans
Loans may be made or insured under this subchapter for any purpose authorized for loans under subchapter I or II of this chapter and for crop or livestock changes that are necessitated by a quarantine, natural disaster, major disaster, or emergency and that are deemed desirable by the applicant, subject to the limitations on the amounts of loans provided in section 1964(a) of this title.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §323, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 311; Pub. L. 96–438, §3(b)(1), Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1873; Pub. L. 104–127, title VI, §623, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 107–171, title V, §5201(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 344.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this title", meaning title III of Pub. L. 87–128, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 307, known as the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1921 of this title and Tables.
Amendments
2002—Pub. L. 107–171 inserted "quarantine," before "natural disaster".
1996—Pub. L. 104–127 inserted "that are necessitated by a natural disaster, major disaster, or emergency and that are" after "livestock changes".
1980—Pub. L. 96–438 substituted provisions relating to the purposes and extent of loans made or insured under this subchapter for provisions limiting loans to amounts certified by the county committee.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–127 effective 90 days after Apr. 4, 1996, see section 663(b) of Pub. L. 104–127, set out as a note under section 1922 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–438 effective with respect to loans approved after Oct. 13, 1980, except for certain subsequent emergency loans, see section 3(d) of Pub. L. 96–438, set out as a note under section 1961 of this title.
§1964. Terms of loans
(a) Maximum amount of loan
The Secretary may not make a loan under this subchapter to a borrower who has suffered a loss in an amount that—
(1) exceeds the actual loss caused by a disaster; or
(2) would cause the total indebtedness of the borrower under this subchapter to exceed $500,000.
(b) Interest rates
Loans under this subchapter shall be at rates of interest as follows:
(1) For loans or portions of loans up to the amount of the applicant's actual loss caused by the disaster, as limited under subsection (a)(1) of this section, the interest shall be at rates prescribed by the Secretary, but not in excess of 8 percent per annum; and
(2) For loans or portions of loans in excess of the amount of the applicant's actual loss caused by the disaster, as limited under subsection (a)(1) of this section, (A) the interest for insured loans shall be at rates prevailing in the private market for similar loans, as determined by the Secretary, and (B) the interest for guaranteed loans shall be at rates agreed on by the borrower and lender, but not in excess of such rates as may be determined by the Secretary.
(c) Interest subsidies
For guaranteed loans under this subchapter, the Secretary may pay interest subsidies to the lenders for those portions of the loans up to the amount of the actual loss caused by the disaster, as limited under subsection (a)(1) of this section. Any such subsidy shall not exceed the difference between the interest rate being charged for loans up to the amount of the actual loss, as established under subsection (b)(1) of this section, and the maximum interest rate for guaranteed loans, as established under subsection (b)(2) of this section.
(d) Repayment
(1) In general
All loans under this subchapter shall be repayable at such times as the Secretary may determine, taking into account the purposes of the loan and the nature and effect of the disaster, but not later than as provided for loans for similar purposes under subchapters I and II of this chapter, and upon the full personal liability of the borrower and upon the best security available, as the Secretary may prescribe: Provided, That the security is adequate to assure repayment of the loans, except that if such security is not available because of the disaster, the Secretary shall (1) accept as security such collateral as is available, a portion or all of which may have depreciated in value due to the disaster and which in the opinion of the Secretary, together with the Secretary's confidence in the repayment ability of the applicant, is adequate security for the loan, and (2) make such loan repayable at such times as the Secretary may determine, not later than as provided under subchapters I and II of this chapter, as justified by the needs of the applicant: Provided further, That for any disaster occurring after January 1, 1975, the Secretary, if the loan is for a purpose described in subchapter II of this chapter, may make the loan repayable at the end of a period of more than seven years, but not more than twenty years, if the Secretary determines that the need of the loan applicant justifies such a longer repayment period: Provided further, That for any direct or insured loan (other than a guaranteed loan) approved under section 1961(b) of this title, three years after the loan is made or insured, and every two years thereafter for the term of the loan, the Secretary shall review the loan; and if, based on such review, the Secretary determines that the borrower is able to obtain a loan from non-Federal sources at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time, the borrower shall on request by the Secretary, apply for and accept such non-Federal loan in sufficient amount to repay the Secretary. If farm assets (including land, livestock, and equipment) are used as collateral to secure a loan made under this subchapter, the Secretary shall establish the value of the assets as of the day before the occurrence of the natural disaster, major disaster, or emergency that is the basis for a request for assistance under this subchapter or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(2) No basis for denial of loan
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall not deny a loan under this subchapter to a borrower by reason of the fact that the borrower lacks a particular amount of collateral for the loan if the Secretary is reasonably certain that the borrower will be able to repay the loan.
(B) Refusal to pledge available collateral
The Secretary may deny or cancel a loan under this subchapter if a borrower refuses to pledge available collateral on request by the Secretary.
(e) Grant eligibility
Any political subdivision of a State with a population of less than ten thousand inhabitants that, if such subdivision had a population of ten thousand or more inhabitants, would be eligible for a grant under the first title of the Community Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1977 shall be eligible for a grant under this chapter during any period in which the Community Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1977 is or has been in effect.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §324, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 311; Pub. L. 93–24, §4, Apr. 20, 1973, 87 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 94–68, §5, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 95–89, title IV, §406, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 561; Pub. L. 95–334, title I, §119, Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 427; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §120(b), July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 841; Pub. L. 96–438, §3(a), (b)(1), Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1872, 1873; Pub. L. 97–35, title I, §162(a), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 378; Pub. L. 98–258, title VI, §602(b), Apr. 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 138; Pub. L. 99–198, title XIII, §1308(b)(3), (c), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1523; Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §109(c)(2), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4708; Pub. L. 104–127, title VI, §§624, 625, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1091; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(a) [title VIII, §802], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681, 2681-38.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (e), was in the original "this title", meaning title III of Pub. L. 87–128, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 307, known as the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of title III to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1921 of this title and Tables.
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, which is classified principally to chapter 68 (§5121 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Community Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1977, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 95–31, May 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 169. Title I of the Community Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1977 is set out as a note under section 5184 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Amendments
1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–277 inserted heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and inserted heading, and added par. (2).
1996—Pub. L. 104–127, §624, inserted section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127, §624, added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: "No loan made or insured under this subchapter may exceed the amount of the actual loss caused by the disaster or $500,000, whichever is less, for each disaster."
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–127, §625, in last sentence, substituted "establish the value of the assets as of the day before the occurrence of the natural disaster, major disaster, or emergency that is the basis for a request for assistance under this subchapter or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)." for "value the assets based on the higher of (A) the value of the assets on the day before the date the governor of the State in which the farm is located requests assistance under this subchapter or the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for any portion of such State affected by the disaster with respect to which the application for the loan is made, or (B) the value of the assets one year before such day."
1988—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–707 substituted "and Emergency Assistance Act" for "Act of 1974".
1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–198, §1308(c), in amending subsec. (a) generally, struck out par. (1) designation, substituted "No loan" for "Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, no loan", and struck out par. (2) authorization of loans through Sept. 30, 1982 for applicants unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, limited to an amount that would not cause the total unpaid principal indebtedness of the loan applicant to exceed: $1,500,000 through end of fiscal year 1980; $1,000,000 during fiscal year 1981; and $500,000 during fiscal year 1982; and restricted loans in excess of amount of actual loss that were for more than $300,000 without a prior determination of the Secretary of applicant's inability to obtain loans to finance actual needs at reasonable rates and terms in the residential community of the applicant for loans for similar purposes and periods of time.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–198, §1308(b)(3), substituted provision for interest rates prescribed by the Secretary but "not in excess of 8 percent per annum" for former such provision but "(A) if the applicant is not able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, not in excess of 8 per centum per annum, and (B) if the applicant is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, not in excess of the rate prevailing in the private market for similar loans, as determined by the Secretary".
1984—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–258 inserted provision that, if farm assets (including land, livestock, and equipment) are used as collateral to secure a loan made under this subchapter, the Secretary shall value the assets based on the higher of (A) the value of the assets on the day before the date the governor of the State in which the farm is located requests assistance under this subchapter or the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 for any portion of such State affected by the disaster with respect to which the application for the loan is made, or (B) the value of the assets one year before such day.
1981—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 97–35 in cl. (A) increased amount from 5 to 8 per centum, and in cl. (B) substituted provisions relating to a rate not in excess of the rate prevailing in the private market for similar loans, for provisions relating to a rate not in excess of current average market yield on outstanding United States marketable obligations, plus additional charges and adjustments.
1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–348, §3(a), (b)(1), repealed section 120 of Pub. L. 96–302 (see par. below) and amended subsec. (a) generally, substituting provisions relating to the limitation on loans made or insured under this subchapter and authorizing excess loan amounts for provisions relating to the interest rates, maturity and security of loans made or insured under this chapter.
Pub. L. 96–302, §120(b) (see par. above), substituted interest rate provisions of first sentence for prior provision for loans "(1) at a rate of interest not in excess of 5 per centum per annum on loans up to the amount of the actual loss caused by the disaster, and (2) for any loans or portions of loans in excess of that amount, the interest rate will be that prevailing in the private market for similar loans, as determined by the Secretary" and inserted proviso in second sentence for repayment of subsec. (a)(1)(B) loans.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–438, §3(b)(1), substituted provisions relating to interest rates on loans made or insured under this subchapter for provisions relating to eligibility of political subdivisions of states for grants under this chapter.
Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 96–438, §3(b)(1), added subsecs. (c) to (e).
1978—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 95–334 redesignated subsec. (c) as (b). Former subsec. (b), which related to reductions in the interest rate based on interest rate of the Small Business Administration, was struck out.
1977—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–89 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and struck out last proviso prescribing for any loan made by the Small Business Administration in connection with a disaster occurring on or after Aug. 5, 1975, under section 636(b)(1), (2), or (4) of title 15 a rate of interest determined in the first paragraph following section 636(b)(8) of title 15 for loans under paragraphs (3), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of section 636(b) of title 15, now covered in subsec. (b) of this section.
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 95–89 added subsecs. (b) and (c).
1975—Pub. L. 94–68 made the existing rate of 5 percent applicable to loans up to the amount of the actual loss caused by the disaster, inserted provisions that for loans or portions of loans in excess of that amount the interest rate will be that prevailing in the private market for similar loans, as determined by the Secretary, and inserted provisos relating to security, disasters occurring after Jan. 1, 1975, and loans made by Small Business Administration.
1973—Pub. L. 93–24 substituted "5" for "3" per centum.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by section 624 of Pub. L. 104–127 effective Apr. 4, 1996, and amendment by section 625 of Pub. L. 104–127 effective 90 days after Apr. 4, 1996, see section 663(a), (b) of Pub. L. 104–127, set out as a note under section 1922 of this title.
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–258 applicable to disasters occurring after May 30, 1983, see section 602(c) of Pub. L. 98–258, set out as a note under section 1961 of this title.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Section 162(b) of Pub. L. 97–35 provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to loans made with respect to disasters occurring after September 30, 1981".
Effective Date of 1980 Amendments
Amendment by section 3(b)(1) of Pub. L. 96–438 effective with respect to loans approved after Oct. 13, 1980, except for certain subsequent emergency loans, see section 3(d) of Pub. L. 96–438, set out as a note under section 1961 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Pub. L. 95–334, title I, §119, Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 427, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Oct. 1, 1978.
Small Business Disaster Loans; Interest Rate; Cancellation of Loans
Loans by Small Business Administration in connection with any disaster occurring on or after Apr. 20, 1973 made under section 636(b)(1), (2), or (4) of Title 15, as subject to interest rate determined under this section and prohibition against cancellation of such loan under any provision of law, see section 9 of Pub. L. 93–24, set out as a note under section 636 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
Section, Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §325, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 311; Pub. L. 94–68, §6, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 382, authorized delegation of authority to State Directors of Farmers Home Administration for making emergency loans.
§1966. Emergency Credit Revolving Fund utilization
The Secretary is authorized to utilize the revolving fund created by section 1148a 1 of title 12 (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "Emergency Credit Revolving Fund") for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §326, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 312.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 1148a of title 12, referred to in text, was repealed by Pub. L. 92–181, title V, §5.26(a), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 624. See section 2252 of Title 12, Banks and Banking.
The Emergency Credit Revolving Fund, referred to in text, was abolished and its assets and liabilities transferred to the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund by section 1929 of this title.
§1967. Addition to Emergency Credit Revolving Fund of sums from liquidation of loans; authorization of appropriations
(a) All sums received by the Secretary from the liquidation of loans made under the provisions of this subchapter or under the Act of April 6, 1949, as amended, or the Act of August 31, 1954, and from the liquidation of any other assets acquired with money from the Emergency Credit Revolving Fund shall be added to and become a part of such fund.
(b) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Emergency Credit Revolving Fund such additional sums as the Congress shall from time to time determine to be necessary.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §327, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 312.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Act of April 6, 1949, as amended, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Apr. 6, 1949, ch. 49, 63 Stat. 43, which was classified to sections 1148a–1 to 1148a–3 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, was repealed by section 341(a) of Pub. L. 87–128, and is covered by this chapter.
Act of August 31, 1954, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1145, 68 Stat. 999, which was classified as a note under section 1148a–1 of Title 12, was repealed by section 341(a) of Pub. L. 87–128, and is covered by this chapter.
Abolition of Emergency Credit Revolving Fund
The Emergency Credit Revolving Fund, referred to in this section and in section 1966 of this title, was abolished and its assets and liabilities transferred to the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund by section 1929 of this title.
Section, Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §328, as added Pub. L. 92–173, Nov. 24, 1971, 85 Stat. 491; amended Pub. L. 93–24, §5, Apr. 20, 1973, 87 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 95–334, title I, §109(b), Aug. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 423, related to insurance of loans.
Section, Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §328, as added Pub. L. 92–385, §5, Aug. 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 557, provided for emergency loans for major and natural disasters occurring between June 30, 1971, and July 1, 1973, providing in: subsec. (a) for cancellation of existing loans and the considerations in making grants, loans, and refinancing of loans; subsec. (b) for loans for loss or damage to agricultural crops; subsec. (c) for amount of loans and interest rates; subsec. (d) for availability of benefits irrespective of age; subsec. (e) for availability of benefits irrespective of approval date; and subsec. (f) for report to Congress.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Loans to Eligible Applicants in Areas Determined as Natural Disaster Areas After January 1, 1972, and Before December 27, 1972; Time for Acceptance of Applications
Pub. L. 93–24, §8, Apr. 20, 1973, 87 Stat. 25, provided that: "Notwithstanding the repeal herein of section 5 of Public Law 92–385 [this section], and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make loans in accordance with the provisions of section 5 of Public Law 92–385 [this section] to eligible applicants in natural disaster areas determined or designated by the Secretary of Agriculture where such determination or designation had been made after January 1, 1972 and prior to December 27, 1972. The authority to accept applications for such loans shall expire 18 days after the effective date of this Act [Apr. 20, 1973]."
Continuation of Secretary's Authority With Respect to Natural Disasters Occurring After December 26, 1972, and Prior to April 20, 1973
Pub. L. 93–237, §4, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1024, provided that: "Notwithstanding the provisions of Public Law 93–24 [which repealed this section], the Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to exercise his authority with respect to natural disasters which occurred after December 26, 1972, but prior to April 20, 1973, in accordance with the provisions of section 5 of Public Law 92–385 [this section] as such section was in effect prior to April 20, 1973."
§1970. Eligibility for assistance based on production loss
The Secretary shall make financial assistance under this subchapter available to any applicant seeking assistance based on production losses if the applicant shows that a single enterprise which constitutes a basic part of the applicant's farming, ranching, or aquaculture operation has sustained at least a 30 per centum loss of normal per acre or per animal production, or such lesser per centum of loss as the Secretary may determine, as a result of the disaster based upon the average monthly price in effect for the previous year and the applicant otherwise meets the conditions of eligibility prescribed under this subchapter. Such loans shall be made available based upon 80 per centum, or such greater per centum as the Secretary may determine, of the total calculated actual production loss sustained by the applicant.
(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §329, as added Pub. L. 94–68, §7, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 382; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title I, §163, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 378.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1981—Pub. L. 97–35 increased specific per centum loss from 20 to 30, and authorized a lesser per centum loss pursuant to determinations by the Secretary under applicable criteria.
Section, Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §330, as added Pub. L. 94–68, §8, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 382; amended Pub. L. 96–438, §3(b)(2), Oct. 13, 1980, 94 Stat. 1875, authorized additional emergency loans.