§ 1943.13 - Outreach program for applicants/borrowers who are members of socially disadvantaged groups.

The purpose of this section is to establish procedures and responsibilities for carrying out the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 Farm Ownership (FO) Direct Loan and Acquired Property Outreach Program to Applicants/ Borrowers who are members of socially disadvantaged groups.

(a) Policy. The FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 FO Loan Outreach Program is a concerted effort to:

(1) Surface and correct problems and obstacles that prevent the participation of members of socially disadvantaged groups in the FO loan program.

(2) Target direct FO loan funds to members of socially disadvantaged groups to ensure they are provided access to FO loan funds, as outlined in exhibit B of this subpart.

(3) Provide pamphlets, publications and general information on the direct FO loan program to members of socially disadvantaged groups.

(4) Provide assistance to members of socially disadvantaged groups to assure that the application process is expedient and complete. Assistance will be provided to borrowers of socially disadvantaged groups through special farm initiatives to assure that sound operating procedures are implemented to enhance the borrower's chances for successfully achieving the objectives of the direct FO loan program.

(b) Field action. The State Director shall designate the Farmer Programs Chief to coordinate the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 Farm Ownership (FO) Loan Outreach Program to members of socially disadvantaged groups. The State's Civil Rights Coordinator will act as a resource person for this program. The Farmer Programs Chief will:

(1) Maintain close liaison with local, State and national organizations serving social disadvantaged groups to ascertain the reasons for the lack of participation of members of socially disadvantaged groups in FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 direct FO loan program.

(2) Work closely with County Supervisors, District Directors, and National Office officials to remove obstacles and solve problems relating to the making of direct FO loans and credit sales to members of socially disadvantaged groups.

(3) Attend meetings of local, State, and Federal Governments and private organizations concerned with the economic and social development of members of socially disadvantaged groups.

(4) Train members of socially disadvantaged groups, interested individuals and groups involved with socially disadvantaged activities, in the packaging of applications and distribution of materials for use in the direct FO loan and credit sale programs.

(5) Provide pamphlets and publications on the direct FO loan and credit sale program.

(6) Initiate special media outreach activities to inform members of socially disadvantaged groups of the availability of acquired farmland and of targeted and non-targeted direct FO loan funds.

(i) Information must be provided to community and farm oriented organizations, agriculture colleges, other USDA agencies and community leaders who are active in the farming area.

(ii) Newspaper articles, radio announcements and public television broadcasts will be used to publicize the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 Farm Ownership (FO) Direct Loan and Acquired Property Outreach Program to members of socially disadvantaged groups. State Directors and required to publicize the program at least twice annually in a newspaper most used by members of socially disadvantaged groups. This effort will be monitored by the National Office through Coordinated Assessment Reviews (CARs) and special planned visits to selected States.

(c) Reports. (1) State Directors will keep the Assistant Administrator, Farmer Programs, advised of any problems encountered in carrying out the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 Farm Ownership (FO) Direct Loan and Acquired Property Outreach Program to Members of Socially Disadvantaged Groups which prevent their participation in this program.

(2) Each State Director will make a semi-annual memorandum report to the Assistant Administrator, Farmer Programs, on May 1 and September 30 of each fiscal year on the Farm Ownership (FO) Direct Loan and Acquired Property Outreach Program to members of Socially Disadvantaged Groups. The report will summarize accomplishments on the items set forth in § 1943.13(b) of this subpart. The following should also be included in the report:

(i) The State and County of each direct FO loan and credit sale made to applicant/borrowers who are members of socially disadvantaged groups.

(ii) Number of applications for direct initial and subsequent FO loans and credit sales received during the period.

(iii) Number of direct initial and subsequent FO loans and credit sales approved during the period.

(iv) Number of applications on hand for direct initial and subsequent FO loans and credit sales at the end of the reporting periods.

(v) Number of announcements placed in local newspapers, on radio and public television.

(vi) Amount of each initial and subsequent direct FO loans and credit sales approved during the reporting periods.

(vii) Total dollar value of direct initial and subsequent FO loans and credit sales approved during the reporting periods.