Tennessee Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
The FSA Boll Weevil Eradication program is in its third year. Loans have been made or are in the process of being made in most all cotton producing States. Although the eradication of the boll weevil is difficult, where implemented, the program is highly successful. Full implementation is anticipated within the next five years and general eradication accomplished within the next decade. Maintenance programs will be required perpetually.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used to purchase or lease supplies and equipment, to pay entity operating expenses and to pay salaries and benefits.
Loan funds may not be used to pay for lobbying, public relations, or related activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants may be determined eligible if the organization: (a) Meets the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) cost-sharing requirements; (b) possesses a legal nonprofit corporate authority; (c) possesses the legal authority to enter into a contract; (d) operates in an area approved by a majority of cotton producers via referendum; (e) is unable to obtain funds elsewhere; and (f) may pledge producer assets as loan collateral.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The beneficiaries of this program include the local boll weevil organization and agricultural community as well as local, State, and national governments.
Credentials/Documentation
All applicants must be nonprofit entities, authorized to operate under the appropriate State law and for the specific purpose of eradicating boll weevils from the nation's agricultural community.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Applicants are eligible for loan consideration after pre-approved funding is established by APHIS.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Complete applications will be accepted by the National Office accompanied by documentation showing the entity's authority to borrow and the operation's ability to make the scheduled loan payment(s).
Award Procedures
Loans will be written within specific credit guidelines as well as within the borrowing entity's documented ability to repay the loan.
Deadlines
Initial loan request should be reviewed with APHIS prior to the funding year with a complete loan package submitted to FSA 90 days prior to the anticipated disbursal of funds.
Authorization
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Public Law 104-180, 7 U.S.C. 1989.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Agency credit decisions will generally be issued within 60 days of the receipt of a complete loan package.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Boll weevil loans are term loans based upon certain procedural and program criteria. Although loans are not renewed, additional loan requests may be submitted by each entity for consideration.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
While there are eligibility requirements, there are no formula or matching fund requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Loans can be applied for at anytime during the year. The loan term varies anywhere from one to seven years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Profit and loss statements may be required monthly, but are always required quarterly and annually.
Income and expense deviations in excess of ten percent must be reported immediately.
Audits
Audited financial statements and profit and loss statements will be annually submitted for review and analysis.
Records
Detailed records will be maintained by each entity in the respective offices. These same records will be made available to the Agency for review upon demand.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1140-0-1-351.
Obigations
(Interest Free Loan) FY 07 $59,400,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not available.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
The Federal regulations are found at 7 CFR Part 1941, Subpart C.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Funds Management Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0522, Room 5438 SO/AGRIB, Washington, DC 20250-0522. Telephone: (202) 720-1632.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The criteria for selecting applications are based upon area boll weevil infestation, APHIS recommendation, individual State and Charter authority, and the ability of the entity to repay the loan.
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