Changes to the Farm Loan Programs Handbook

The USDA Farm Service Agency has announced that Amendment 30 to FSA Farm Loan Programs Handbook 2-FLP was recently issued to include several changes.

Those changes include:

 • FSA’s definition of beginning farm has been changed to consider average acreage owned rather than median size farm

 • FSA’s debt forgiveness definition has been amended to eliminate consideration of forgiveness of youth loans under certain circumstances

 • FSA’s definition of farmer has been clarified to include “ranchers”

 • FSA’s guarantee of Conservation Loans has been increased to 80% and in specific instances increased to 90%

 • FSA’s guaranteed operating loan term limits have been eliminated

 • Addition of some CFR references

 The amendment is available at:  http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/2flp1-30.pdf

If you have any questions related to this Amendment feel free to contact the Farm Loan Programs at   AskFSA@usda.gov.