An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Agriculture-Linked Investment Program, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for general authority of commission and for Agriculture-Linked Investment Program.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to improve the Agriculture-Linked Investment Program. It clarifies the program’s legislative intent, defines key terms like ‘best management practices’ and ‘eligible borrower,’ and expands the commission’s authority to oversee the program. Specifically, it aims to incentivize farmers to adopt conservation practices that protect water quality and reduce odor, offering low-interest loans for projects like manure management plans and erosion control measures. The bill also prioritizes lending for beginning farmers and projects addressing nutrient or odor concerns.
Key provisions
- Clarifies the intent of the Agriculture-Linked Investment Program to incentivize conservation practices.
- Defines key terms such as ‘best management practices,’ ‘eligible borrower,’ and ‘lending institution.’
- Expands the commission’s authority to review and approve best management practices.
- Establishes lending priorities, including projects for beginning farmers and those addressing nutrient or odor concerns.
- Increases the maximum loan amount available under the program to $500,000.
- Allows the commission to prioritize projects related to agricultural production and energy production from agricultural by-products.
- Requires the commission to consult with the Department of Agriculture when establishing lending priorities.
- Specifies that loans must be offered to farmers who have developed approved nutrient or odor management plans.
Who is affected
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 3695 Html
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Sponsors
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5 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
David Zimmerman
R. Lee James
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