Contact: Roxanne.Boisse@ri.usda.gov

Rhode Island USDA Farm Service Agency

January 9, 2013 –Rhode Island USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Manager Roxanne Boisse, 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 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 Boise. "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," she said.

FSA credit programs are designed to provide credit to eligible producers when conventional or commercial credit is not available or does not meet their credit needs.

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

For more information about the Land Contract Guarantee Program contact the Rhode Island FSA Office at 401-828-3120 Option 3.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).