Pennsylvania Code
Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Part V - Bureau of Plant Industry
Chapter 130c - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS
Subchapter B - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE LOAN PROGRAM
Section 130c.14 - General conditions

(a) Interest rates. The interest rate on any loan will be calculated using simple interest at the percentage rate equal to the Federal Reserve discount rate at the time the loan was made.

(b) Term of loan and rate of payment. The term of the loan may not be greater than the useful life of the project, which shall be defined in the loan agreement. The term of the loan may not exceed 7 years. Payments shall be made monthly, quarterly or semiannually, as determined by the Board.

(c) Security.

(d) Sale of real or personal property. If the recipient sells real or personal property connected with the project which is subject to a lien in favor of the Department or Board the principal balance of the loan and interest incurred to date shall immediately become due and payable.

(e) Verification. Within 3 months of the project completion date specified in the loan agreement, the recipient shall submit to the Department a final report which includes written receipts, records and any other pertinent documentation evidencing the total amount of the costs incurred and expenditures associated with the project. At the same time, the recipient shall also submit a narrative report describing the effectiveness of the project, the results obtained, the experience gained and the personal knowledge acquired.

(f) Failure to verify. If the required receipts, records and documentation are not submitted within the 3-month period or a portion of loan proceeds are unaccounted for, the Secretary may demand the recipient repay the entire principal balance of the loan or a lesser amount and interest incurred to date. Payment shall be due within 60 days of the written demand.

(g) Loan agreement. A recipient shall sign a loan agreement setting forth the term and amount of the loan, a repayment schedule and other terms or conditions as the Department may reasonably require.

(h) Previous default. A loan will not be made under this chapter to an applicant who has previously defaulted on a loan made, guaranteed or insured by the Commonwealth, the Federal Government or by the government of another state.

(i) Default. A recipient who fails to abide by the terms of the act, the loan agreement or the rules in this chapter shall be in default. Additionally, a loan will be declared in default if the loan recipient fails to make the required payment within 30 days of the due date. When a loan recipient defaults, the Department may seek recovery of the loan funds as delineated in § 130c.8 (relating to right of recovery). A default may be waived by the Secretary, after consultation with the Board, in the event of a physical disability suffered by the recipient or other extenuating circumstances.