SAINT PAUL, MINN, January 8, 2013 –Stuart Shelstad USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Chief, reminds landowners that the Land Contract Guarantee Program is available to landowners who wish to transfer farm real estate to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

The Land Contract Guarantee Program provides a new approach for landowners willing to sell their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers because it reduces the seller's financial risk if the buyer defaults on the contract payments. The buyer must provide a minimum down payment of five percent of the purchase price, plan to operate the farm, and demonstrate the ability to make the land contract payments.

The national program offers two options, one that guarantees up to three annual installment payments on the contract and one that guarantees 90% of the unpaid principal of the contract. Guarantees can be used for financing the purchase of a farm with a purchase price up to $500,000 on a new land contract.

"Landowners can use any escrow agent that meets the program qualifications to service the land contract," said Shelstad. "Landowners interested in the Land Contract Guarantee Program can contact their local farm loan office to obtain a list of available nationwide escrow agents that can be used with this program," he said.

"FSA programs create opportunities for farmers and ranchers - the backbone of our rural economy," said Shelstad.

More information on the new Land Contract Guarantee Program and the other changes are available at local FSA offices nationwide. Information about Farm Loan Programs and FSA loan qualifications can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov.

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