H.R. 4513 — Introduced in House

I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4513 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 1, 2017Mrs. Bustos (for herself and Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to alter and expand eligibility for farm ownership loans by modifying the 3-year experience requirement. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Farmers of Tomorrow Act. 2. Modification of the 3-year experience requirement for purposes of eligibility for farm ownership loans (a) In general Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking (3) and inserting (5); and (B) by inserting (not exceeding 2 years) after period of time; and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively, and inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Other acceptable experience In determining whether a farmer or rancher has other acceptable experience under paragraph (1), the Secretary may count any of the following: (A) at least 16 hours of post-secondary education in a field related to agriculture; (B) successful completion of a farm management curriculum offered by the Cooperative Extension Service, a community college, an adult vocational agriculture program, a non-profit organization, or a land grant university; (C) at least 1 year of direct substantive management experience in a business; (D) an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States; (E) successful repayment of a youth loan made under section 311(b); (F) at least 1 year as hired farm labor with substantial management responsibilities; (G) successful completion of a farm mentorship, apprenticeship, or internship program with an emphasis on management requirements and day-to-day farm management decisions; (H) an established relationship with an individual participating as a counselor in a Service Corps of Retired Executives program authorized under section 8(b)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B)), or with a local farm or ranch operator or organization, approved by the Secretary, that is committed to mentoring the farmer or rancher; and (I) successful completion of a military leadership course. (3) Deeming rule For purposes of paragraph (1), a farmer or rancher is deemed to have participated in the business operations of a farm or ranch for not less than 3 years or have other acceptable experience for a period of time, as determined by the Secretary, if the farmer or rancher meets the requirements of subparagraphs (F), (H), and (I) of paragraph (2). . (b) Conforming amendment Section 310D(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934(a)(2)) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) through (4) of section 302 and inserting subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 302(a)(1).