Request for Applications for Veteran Farmer Streamlined Eligibility Pilot Program, 25640-25642 [2018-11873]
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Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 107
Monday, June 4, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains documents other than rules or
proposed rules that are applicable to the
public. Notices of hearings and investigations,
committee meetings, agency decisions and
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
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section.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Request for Applications for Veteran
Farmer Streamlined Eligibility Pilot
Program
Farm Service Agency, USDA.
Notice and request for
applications.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Farm Service Agency
(FSA) is announcing the opportunity for
interested veterans to apply for a new
pilot program, Veteran Farmer
Streamlined Eligibility Pilot Program
(‘‘Pilot Program’’), which will assist
veterans in meeting the management
experience requirements at a faster pace
for either a Microloan or Downpayment
Loan through the Farm Ownership Loan
(FO) Program. As set forth in a
cooperative agreement between FSA
and Texas A&M University, Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension program employees
will expand their existing veterans
training program, ‘‘Battleground to
Breaking Ground,’’ to incorporate the
requirements of the Pilot Program
through a cooperative agreement with
FSA. FSA will be involved in helping
develop and review curriculum, review
applications, participate in orientation,
and monitor participants’ progress
throughout the Pilot Program. The
purpose of the Pilot Program is to
provide an educational opportunity for
veterans so that they can obtain
agricultural production, financial, and
managerial training at an accelerated
pace that will then result in the veteran
to be considered conditionally eligible
for either a Microloan or Downpayment
Loan through the FO Program.
DATES: The application period will open
on June 15, 2018, and close on July 20,
2018 no later than 11 p.m. CST.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin
Kimbrough, Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension program, 979–847–6185,
Erin.Kimbrough@ag.tamu.edu or Russ
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
Clanton, FSA, 202–690–0214,
russ.clanton@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
FSA is an agency of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and
its farm loan programs are authorized by
the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act of 1972, as amended
(CONACT, Pub. L. 92–419). Farmers or
ranchers may be able to get a loan or
loan guarantee through FSA’s Farm
Loan Programs (FLP) if they are unable
to obtain credit elsewhere to start,
purchase, sustain, or expand a farm.
Unlike loans from a commercial lender,
FSA loans are temporary in nature with
the goal of graduating loans to
commercial credit. Direct loans through
the FO Program are used to purchase or
enlarge a farm or ranch, construct a new
or improve existing farm or ranch
buildings, and for soil and water
conservation and protection purposes.
Downpayment loans and Microloans are
types of loans available through the FO
Program. Microloans are limited to
$50,000.00. See definition of Microloan
in 7 CFR 761.2.
Currently, in order to be eligible for
either Microloans or Downpayment
Loan through the FO Program, the
applicant must have participated in the
business operations of a farm for at least
3 years out of the 10 years prior to the
date the application is submitted. In
addition, section 302(b)(1) of the
CONACT (7 U.S.C. 1922) provides the
Secretary with the flexibility to
determine ‘‘other acceptable experience
for a period of time.’’ For example, FSA
currently allows 1 of the 3 years to be
substituted with leadership or
management experience while serving
in any branch of the military (see 7 CFR
764.152(d)(3)). For the Pilot Program,
FSA is building on the CONACT’s
flexibility in order to allow veterans to
qualify for FSA’s managerial experience
in a quicker timeframe.
Section 333D of the CONACT (7
U.S.C. 1983d) provides FSA with the
authority to conduct a pilot program in
order to evaluate its current processes in
order to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the farm loan programs.
The Congressional Directives in the
explanatory statement for the
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
(Division A, Pub. L. 115–31) directs FSA
to support a certified training program
for veteran farmers to be prequalified for
direct FOs (see page H3331 (https://
www.congress.gov/crec/2017/05/03/
CREC-2017-05-03-bk2.pdf).
The purpose of this Pilot Program is
to provide an educational opportunity
to veteran farmers so that they can
obtain production, financial, and
managerial training and other required
experiences as specified in 7 CFR
764.101 and 764.152 to potentially
qualify for either a Microloan or
Downpayment Loan through the FO
Program in 12–18 months rather than
the current timeline of 2 years. FSA’s
goal through the use of the Pilot
Program is that there will be a better
educated applicant, better customer
service for the applicant and the seller
of the farm, more efficient loan approval
process for the loan officer and a more
successful farm borrower. The agency
will review the outcome of the Pilot
Program to determine if this is a cost
effective approach that leads to greater
borrower success. A successful Pilot
Program may lead to a broader use of
this approach with other universities or
with other applicants.
FSA strongly encourages American
Veterans who are seeking a career in
agriculture to apply to for the Pilot
Program. The most challenging barriers
for new or beginning farmer or ranchers,
including veterans who desire to enter
into agriculture businesses, are access to
both land and capital. Access to capital
is not limited to the availability of
credit, but also to the ability of an
applicant to meet the eligibility
requirements for either a Microloan or
Downpayment Loan through the FO
Program. This includes having the
requisite managerial experience and
ability to develop and present a viable
business plan. By offering specific
agricultural production and financial
training, as well as hands on mentoring
in the veteran’s chosen area of
agriculture, a conditional loan eligibility
will be earned upon on the completion
of the Pilot Program.
FSA has found that veterans are very
interested in starting a farming or
ranching business, which led to
developing the Pilot Program.
Specifically, in response to the request
for comments about farm loan pilot
projects after the 2014 Farm Bill (79 FR
60805–60807, October 8, 2014), two of
E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM
04JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Notices
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
the comments that FSA received
focused specifically on helping
veterans. One of those comments
specifically recommended a pilot
training program.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
program is already operating under the
heading ‘‘Battleground to Breaking
Ground.’’ FSA’s Pilot Program expands
on the existing program curriculum to
prepare veterans for financing from
FSA. The Pilot Program will be a
combination of written course work
offered online, an individual education
plan that includes hands on agricultural
production workshops, and
mentorships. Upon conclusion of the
course, a veteran will meet the business
operation requirement as specified in 7
CFR 764.101 and 764.152 for eligibility
up to 1 year sooner and will be
considered conditionally eligible for
either a Microloan or Downpayment
Loan through FO Program.
Eligibility Information
The applicant must meet the
following eligibility requirements and
will self-certify to the following when
applying online for Texas A&M’s
Battleground to Breaking Ground
program and provide additional
documentation where specified below:
1. The applicant is a veteran. After
being selected for the Pilot Program,
applicants will need certain
documentation such as DD Form 214,
Certificate of Release or Discharge from
Active Duty, or other military ID to
verify veteran status to participate in the
Pilot Program and to apply for either a
Microloan or Downpayment Loan
through the FO Program;
2. The applicant meets all FSA farm
loan program eligibility requirements
under 7 CFR 764.101 and 764.152,
except the farm experience requirement
which will be expedited by the Pilot
Program;
3. The applicant is not ineligible for
Federal benefits based on a conviction
of any Federal or State controlled
substance offense (see 7 CFR
764.101(a));
4. The applicant is of legal age, and
has mental capacity and authority to
enter into a legally binding agreement
(see 7 CFR 764.101(b));
5. The applicant meets citizenship
requirements (see 7 CFR 764.101(c));
6. The applicant provides a credit
report from one of the three main credit
reporting agencies at the time of
orientation to the Pilot Program. If a
history of failures to repay past debts as
they came due was out of the control of
the applicant, the applicant may wish to
submit a written description of the
circumstances for the consideration of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
the committee. Lack of credit history or
isolated incidents of delinquent
payments is not considered poor credit.
Credit scores are not used to make a
determination of credit worthiness (see
7 CFR 764.101(d));
7. The applicant has properly fulfilled
prior obligations to other parties,
including other agencies of the Federal
Government (see 7 CFR 764.101(d)(2));
8. The applicant is unable to obtain
sufficient credit elsewhere to finance
actual needs at reasonable rates and
terms. When the loan application is
filed, FSA will evaluate the ability to
obtain credit based on factors including,
but not limited to:
a. Loan amounts, rates, and terms
available in the marketplace; and
b. Property interests, income, and
significant non-essential assets (see 7
CFR 764.101(e));
9. The applicant meets the unpaid
Federal judgement and delinquent
Federal debt requirements in 7 CFR
764.101(f) and (g);
10. The applicant meets the Federal
Crop Insurance Violations requirements
in 7 CFR 764.101(h); and
11. The applicant meets the prior debt
forgiveness requirements in 7 CFR
764.152(b).
Application and Submission
Information
Each veteran must complete an
electronic application for the
Battleground to Breaking Ground
Program through Texas A&M’s website,
https://txagrability.tamu.edu/. In
addition, in order to participate in the
Pilot Program, the applicant must selfcertify to the eligibility requirements
discussed above and provided at the
Texas A&M website. The application
period will open June 15, 2018, and
close on July 20, 2018 no later than 11
p.m. CST. No applications will be
accepted after the due date.
Application Review Information
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
program employees will score and rank
the ‘‘Battlefield to Breaking Ground’’
applications using the Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension program matrix. FSA
will look at the top ranked applicants
from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
program scoring and will select, in order
of ranking, the top 15 to 18 applications.
FSA will then confirm eligibility on the
selected applications for participation in
the Pilot Program. In the case of a tied
score for the Pilot Program selection,
FSA will review the applicant’s
narrative addressing the applicant’s
readiness to farm to make a selection.
The readiness to farm question is part of
the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
25641
program application. Applicants not
selected for the Pilot Program due to
FSA’s loan eligibility criteria will still
have the option to participate in the
‘‘Battleground to Breaking Ground’’
program at the discretion of Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension program. Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension program will notify
all applicants by email.
Applicants will not be considered a
participant in the Pilot Program until
after they have signed an expectation
agreement supplied by Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension program as part of its
existing veterans ‘‘Battleground to
Breaking Ground’’ program. The
expectation agreement specifies the
requirements for completion of the
‘‘Battleground to Breaking Ground’’
program.
Program Completion
Successful completion of the Pilot
Program will result in the veteran
receiving a certificate from FSA as well
as a developed business plan.
Successful completion will also result
in the veteran being conditionally
eligible for either a Microloan or
Downpayment Loan through the FO
Program. The veteran should apply for
the loan within 2 years of successfully
completing the Pilot Program, unless the
business plan is based on a later start
date.
Participants who do not complete the
Pilot Program may not be considered
conditionally eligible for either a
Microloan or Downpayment Loan
through the FO Program.
Other Provisions
In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family or
parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication
should contact the USDA Target Center
at (202) 720–2600 (voice). Additionally,
program information may be made
available in languages other than
English.
E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM
04JNN1
25642
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 / Notices
To file a program discrimination
complaint, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
3027, found online at https://
www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-programdiscrimination-complaint-usdacustomer, and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and
provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To
request a copy of the complaint form,
you may call (866) 632–9992. You may
submit your completed form or letter to
any of the following options:
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250–9410;
• Fax: (202) 690–7442; or
• Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
Richard Fordyce,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 2018–11873 Filed 6–1–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Notice of Request for Revision of a
Currently Approved Information
Collection
Rural Housing Service, USDA.
Proposed collection; comments
requested.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice announces the Rural Housing
Service’s (RHS) intention to request a
revision for a currently approved
information collection in support of the
program for Self-Help Technical
Assistance Grants.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be
received by August 3, 2018 to be
assured of consideration.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrea Birmingham, Finance and Loan
Analyst, Single Family Housing Direct
Loan Division, RHS, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Stop 0783, 1400
Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
DC 20250–0783, Telephone (202) 720–
1489.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: 7 CFR 1944–I, Self-Help
Technical Assistance Grants.
OMB Number: 0575–0043.
Expiration Date of Approval: October
31, 2018.
Type of Request: Extension of
currently approved information
collection.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Jun 01, 2018
Jkt 244001
Abstract: This subpart set forth the
policies and procedures and delegates
authority for providing technical
assistance funds to eligible applicants to
finance programs of technical and
supervisory assistance for self-help
housing loan program, as authorized
under section 523 of the Housing Act of
1949 under 42 U.S.C. 1472. This
financial assistance may pay part or all
of the cost of developing, administering
or coordinating program of technical
and supervisory assistance to aid very
low- and low-income families in
carrying out self-help housing efforts in
rural areas. The primary purpose is to
locate and work with families that
otherwise do not qualify as
homeowners, are below the 50 percent
of median incomes, and living in
substandard housing.
RHS will be collecting information
from non-profit organizations to enter
into grant agreements. These non-profit
organizations will give technical and
supervisory assistance, and in doing so,
they must develop a final application
for section 523 grant funds. This
application includes Agency forms that
contain essential information for making
a determination of eligibility.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
burden for this collection of information
is estimated to average .95 hours per
response.
Respondents: Public or private
nonprofit organizations, State, Local or
Tribal Governments.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
130.
Estimated Number of Responses per
Respondent: 24.77.
Estimated Number of Responses:
3,220.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 3,058.
Copies of this information collection
can be obtained from Jeanne Jacobs,
Regulations and Paperwork
Management Branch, Support Services
Division at (202) 692–0040.
Comments: Comments are invited on:
(a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
RHS, including whether the information
will have practical utility; (b) the
accuracy of RHS’s estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of
information including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond, including
through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments may be sent to Jeanne
Jacobs, Regulations and Paperwork
Management Branch, Support Services
Division, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP
0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW,
Washington, DC 20250.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for OMB approval. All comments will
become a matter of public record.
Dated: May 23, 2018.
Joel C. Baxley,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11867 Filed 6–1–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
BROADCASTING BOARD OF
GOVERNORS
Government in the Sunshine Act
Meeting Notice
Wednesday, June 6,
2018, 12:30 p.m. ET.
PLACE: Cohen Building, Room 3321, 330
Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
DC 20237.
SUBJECT: Notice of Meeting of the
Broadcasting Board of Governors.
SUMMARY: The Broadcasting Board of
Governors (Board) will be meeting at the
time and location listed above. The
Board will vote on a consent agenda
consisting of the minutes of its March
14, 2018 meeting, a resolution honoring
the the 65th anniversary of Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL)
Armenian Service—Azatutyun
Radiokayan, a resolution honoring the
65th anniversary of RFE/RL’s Georgian
Service—Radio Tavisupleba, a
resolution honoring the 65th
Anniversary of RFE/RL’s Kazakh
Service—Radio Azattyq, a resolution
honoring the 65th anniversary of RFE/
RL’s Kyrgyz Service—Radio Azattyk, a
resolution honoring the 65th
anniversary of RFE/RL’s Tajik Service—
Radio Ozodi, and a resolution honoring
the 65th anniversary of RFE/RL’s Uzbek
Service—Radio Ozodlik. The Board will
receive a report from the Chief
Executive Officer and Director of BBG.
This meeting will be available for
public observation via streamed
webcast, both live and on-demand, on
the agency’s public website at
www.bbg.gov. Information regarding this
meeting, including any updates or
adjustments to its starting time, can also
be found on the agency’s public website.
The public may also attend this
meeting in person at the address listed
above as seating capacity permits.
DATE AND TIME:
E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25640-25642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11873]
========================================================================
Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2018 /
Notices
[[Page 25640]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Request for Applications for Veteran Farmer Streamlined
Eligibility Pilot Program
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for applications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is announcing the opportunity
for interested veterans to apply for a new pilot program, Veteran
Farmer Streamlined Eligibility Pilot Program (``Pilot Program''), which
will assist veterans in meeting the management experience requirements
at a faster pace for either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan through the
Farm Ownership Loan (FO) Program. As set forth in a cooperative
agreement between FSA and Texas A&M University, Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension program employees will expand their existing veterans
training program, ``Battleground to Breaking Ground,'' to incorporate
the requirements of the Pilot Program through a cooperative agreement
with FSA. FSA will be involved in helping develop and review
curriculum, review applications, participate in orientation, and
monitor participants' progress throughout the Pilot Program. The
purpose of the Pilot Program is to provide an educational opportunity
for veterans so that they can obtain agricultural production,
financial, and managerial training at an accelerated pace that will
then result in the veteran to be considered conditionally eligible for
either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan through the FO Program.
DATES: The application period will open on June 15, 2018, and close on
July 20, 2018 no later than 11 p.m. CST.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Kimbrough, Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension program, 979-847-6185, [email protected] or Russ
Clanton, FSA, 202-690-0214, [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
FSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and
its farm loan programs are authorized by the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act of 1972, as amended (CONACT, Pub. L. 92-419).
Farmers or ranchers may be able to get a loan or loan guarantee through
FSA's Farm Loan Programs (FLP) if they are unable to obtain credit
elsewhere to start, purchase, sustain, or expand a farm. Unlike loans
from a commercial lender, FSA loans are temporary in nature with the
goal of graduating loans to commercial credit. Direct loans through the
FO Program are used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, construct a
new or improve existing farm or ranch buildings, and for soil and water
conservation and protection purposes. Downpayment loans and Microloans
are types of loans available through the FO Program. Microloans are
limited to $50,000.00. See definition of Microloan in 7 CFR 761.2.
Currently, in order to be eligible for either Microloans or
Downpayment Loan through the FO Program, the applicant must have
participated in the business operations of a farm for at least 3 years
out of the 10 years prior to the date the application is submitted. In
addition, section 302(b)(1) of the CONACT (7 U.S.C. 1922) provides the
Secretary with the flexibility to determine ``other acceptable
experience for a period of time.'' For example, FSA currently allows 1
of the 3 years to be substituted with leadership or management
experience while serving in any branch of the military (see 7 CFR
764.152(d)(3)). For the Pilot Program, FSA is building on the CONACT's
flexibility in order to allow veterans to qualify for FSA's managerial
experience in a quicker timeframe.
Section 333D of the CONACT (7 U.S.C. 1983d) provides FSA with the
authority to conduct a pilot program in order to evaluate its current
processes in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the
farm loan programs. The Congressional Directives in the explanatory
statement for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 (Division
A, Pub. L. 115-31) directs FSA to support a certified training program
for veteran farmers to be prequalified for direct FOs (see page H3331
(https://www.congress.gov/crec/2017/05/03/CREC-2017-05-03-bk2.pdf).
The purpose of this Pilot Program is to provide an educational
opportunity to veteran farmers so that they can obtain production,
financial, and managerial training and other required experiences as
specified in 7 CFR 764.101 and 764.152 to potentially qualify for
either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan through the FO Program in 12-18
months rather than the current timeline of 2 years. FSA's goal through
the use of the Pilot Program is that there will be a better educated
applicant, better customer service for the applicant and the seller of
the farm, more efficient loan approval process for the loan officer and
a more successful farm borrower. The agency will review the outcome of
the Pilot Program to determine if this is a cost effective approach
that leads to greater borrower success. A successful Pilot Program may
lead to a broader use of this approach with other universities or with
other applicants.
FSA strongly encourages American Veterans who are seeking a career
in agriculture to apply to for the Pilot Program. The most challenging
barriers for new or beginning farmer or ranchers, including veterans
who desire to enter into agriculture businesses, are access to both
land and capital. Access to capital is not limited to the availability
of credit, but also to the ability of an applicant to meet the
eligibility requirements for either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan
through the FO Program. This includes having the requisite managerial
experience and ability to develop and present a viable business plan.
By offering specific agricultural production and financial training, as
well as hands on mentoring in the veteran's chosen area of agriculture,
a conditional loan eligibility will be earned upon on the completion of
the Pilot Program.
FSA has found that veterans are very interested in starting a
farming or ranching business, which led to developing the Pilot
Program. Specifically, in response to the request for comments about
farm loan pilot projects after the 2014 Farm Bill (79 FR 60805-60807,
October 8, 2014), two of
[[Page 25641]]
the comments that FSA received focused specifically on helping
veterans. One of those comments specifically recommended a pilot
training program.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program is already operating under the
heading ``Battleground to Breaking Ground.'' FSA's Pilot Program
expands on the existing program curriculum to prepare veterans for
financing from FSA. The Pilot Program will be a combination of written
course work offered online, an individual education plan that includes
hands on agricultural production workshops, and mentorships. Upon
conclusion of the course, a veteran will meet the business operation
requirement as specified in 7 CFR 764.101 and 764.152 for eligibility
up to 1 year sooner and will be considered conditionally eligible for
either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan through FO Program.
Eligibility Information
The applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements and
will self-certify to the following when applying online for Texas A&M's
Battleground to Breaking Ground program and provide additional
documentation where specified below:
1. The applicant is a veteran. After being selected for the Pilot
Program, applicants will need certain documentation such as DD Form
214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other
military ID to verify veteran status to participate in the Pilot
Program and to apply for either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan through
the FO Program;
2. The applicant meets all FSA farm loan program eligibility
requirements under 7 CFR 764.101 and 764.152, except the farm
experience requirement which will be expedited by the Pilot Program;
3. The applicant is not ineligible for Federal benefits based on a
conviction of any Federal or State controlled substance offense (see 7
CFR 764.101(a));
4. The applicant is of legal age, and has mental capacity and
authority to enter into a legally binding agreement (see 7 CFR
764.101(b));
5. The applicant meets citizenship requirements (see 7 CFR
764.101(c));
6. The applicant provides a credit report from one of the three
main credit reporting agencies at the time of orientation to the Pilot
Program. If a history of failures to repay past debts as they came due
was out of the control of the applicant, the applicant may wish to
submit a written description of the circumstances for the consideration
of the committee. Lack of credit history or isolated incidents of
delinquent payments is not considered poor credit. Credit scores are
not used to make a determination of credit worthiness (see 7 CFR
764.101(d));
7. The applicant has properly fulfilled prior obligations to other
parties, including other agencies of the Federal Government (see 7 CFR
764.101(d)(2));
8. The applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to
finance actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. When the loan
application is filed, FSA will evaluate the ability to obtain credit
based on factors including, but not limited to:
a. Loan amounts, rates, and terms available in the marketplace; and
b. Property interests, income, and significant non-essential assets
(see 7 CFR 764.101(e));
9. The applicant meets the unpaid Federal judgement and delinquent
Federal debt requirements in 7 CFR 764.101(f) and (g);
10. The applicant meets the Federal Crop Insurance Violations
requirements in 7 CFR 764.101(h); and
11. The applicant meets the prior debt forgiveness requirements in
7 CFR 764.152(b).
Application and Submission Information
Each veteran must complete an electronic application for the
Battleground to Breaking Ground Program through Texas A&M's website,
https://txagrability.tamu.edu/. In addition, in order to participate in
the Pilot Program, the applicant must self-certify to the eligibility
requirements discussed above and provided at the Texas A&M website. The
application period will open June 15, 2018, and close on July 20, 2018
no later than 11 p.m. CST. No applications will be accepted after the
due date.
Application Review Information
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program employees will score and rank
the ``Battlefield to Breaking Ground'' applications using the Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension program matrix. FSA will look at the top ranked
applicants from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program scoring and
will select, in order of ranking, the top 15 to 18 applications. FSA
will then confirm eligibility on the selected applications for
participation in the Pilot Program. In the case of a tied score for the
Pilot Program selection, FSA will review the applicant's narrative
addressing the applicant's readiness to farm to make a selection. The
readiness to farm question is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
program application. Applicants not selected for the Pilot Program due
to FSA's loan eligibility criteria will still have the option to
participate in the ``Battleground to Breaking Ground'' program at the
discretion of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program. Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension program will notify all applicants by email.
Applicants will not be considered a participant in the Pilot
Program until after they have signed an expectation agreement supplied
by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program as part of its existing
veterans ``Battleground to Breaking Ground'' program. The expectation
agreement specifies the requirements for completion of the
``Battleground to Breaking Ground'' program.
Program Completion
Successful completion of the Pilot Program will result in the
veteran receiving a certificate from FSA as well as a developed
business plan. Successful completion will also result in the veteran
being conditionally eligible for either a Microloan or Downpayment Loan
through the FO Program. The veteran should apply for the loan within 2
years of successfully completing the Pilot Program, unless the business
plan is based on a later start date.
Participants who do not complete the Pilot Program may not be
considered conditionally eligible for either a Microloan or Downpayment
Loan through the FO Program.
Other Provisions
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family or parental status, income derived from a public
assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for
prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or
funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and
complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600
(voice). Additionally, program information may be made available in
languages other than English.
[[Page 25642]]
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer, and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA
and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, you may call (866) 632-9992.
You may submit your completed form or letter to any of the following
options:
Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-9410;
Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
Email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Richard Fordyce,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 2018-11873 Filed 6-1-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P
