Captial Briefs: Farm Credit System Seeks Advice on Loans to Banks

The Farm Credit Administration wants some advice on updating regulations governing Farm Credit System loans to banks, thrifts, and other financial institutions.

The Farm Credit System extends short- and intermediate-term credit for agricultural and related purposes. The program peaked in the early 1980s when 300 banks, thrifts, and credit unions borrowed almost $1 billion. Today, the system has just $231 million loaned to 22 institutions.

In an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking published in the May 17 Federal Register, the FCA's board questions a number of definitions that determine which institutions qualify as borrowers. For example, the law states that to qualify, a borrower must be significantly involved in agriculture. The agency deems an institution to be significantly involved in farming if ag loans make up at least 15% of its loan portfolio.

"We're asking whether our regulations are more restrictive than the statute requires," explained FCA spokeswoman Christine Quinn.

Comments are due July 16.

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