Foreclosures, bankruptcies and auctions instead of debt restructuring options which could save the farm and taxpayer funds are making the headlines. Hotlines are too quiet given the magnitude of the problem. A partial victory has been achieved on shared appreciation agreements. A commitment made by Secretary Glickman in March 1999 to propose changes in the collection, appraisal, and charges to farmers on their agreements was finally issued in the form of a proposed regulation on November 10. Comments on the proposal will be accepted until January 10 with a final rule at some point in the future.
Ongoing work continues through phone, fax, and email.