0560-AI04 201110 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0560 Farm Service Agency FSA 0500 Department of Agriculture USDA Conservation Loan Guarantee Program The interim rule implemented the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD). A final rule is being developed. The section 5002 of the 2008 Farm Bill authorized Conservation Loans and Loan Guarantees. Implementation of this provision will created a new direct and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting farmers in implementing conservation practices. The rule established a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation plan that includes the project to be financed. Preference is given to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The program is not mandatory. Other Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Final Rule Stage No No 7 CFR 762 PL 110-246 No Interim Final Rule 09/03/2010 75 FR 54005 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/02/2010 Notice 05/13/2011 76 FR 27986 Final Rule 02/00/2012 Yes Businesses None Yes No Deirdre Holder 0560 Farm Service Agency FSA 202 205-5851 202 720-5233 deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-0572