Document:

Exhibit 10.11

 

FIFTH LOAN AGREEMENT

 

This Fifth Loan Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of this 3rd day of February, 2017, by and among AMERICAN FARMLAND COMPANY L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (“Borrower”), whose address is 4600 S. Syracuse Street, Suite 1450, Denver, Colorado 80237, FARMLAND PARTNERS, INC., a Maryland corporation, FARMLAND PARTNERS OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Guarantors”), whose addresses are 4600 S. Syracuse Street, Suite 1450, Denver, Colorado 80237, and RUTLEDGE INVESTMENT COMPANY, a Tennessee corporation, (“Lender”), whose address, for purposes of this Agreement, is 5160 Sanderlin Avenue, Suite One, Memphis, Tennessee 38117.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender executed that certain Loan Agreement, dated December 6, 2013 (the “First Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which Lender made a revolving credit loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $25,000,000 (the “First Loan”); and

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender executed that certain Loan Agreement, dated January 14, 2015 (the “Second Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which Lender made a revolving credit loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $25,000,000 (the “Second Loan”); and

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender executed that certain Loan Agreement, dated August 18, 2015  (the “Third Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which Lender made a revolving credit loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $25,000,000 (the “Third Loan”); and

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender executed that certain Loan Agreement, dated December 22, 2015 (the “Fourth Loan Agreement”), pursuant to which Lender made a revolving credit loan to Borrower in the principal amount of $15,000,000 (the “Fourth Loan”); and

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender previously amended the terms and conditions of the First Loan Agreement, Second Loan Agreement, Third Loan Agreement and Fourth Loan Agreement pursuant to that certain Amendment to Loan Agreements dated December 22, 2015; and

 

WHEREAS, Borrower and Lender have amended the terms and conditions of the First Loan Agreement, Second Loan Agreement, Third Loan Agreement and Fourth Loan Agreement pursuant to that certain Second Amendment to Loan Agreements dated of even date herewith; and

 

WHERAS, Lender has agreed to make a new Loan (hereafter defined) to Borrower, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

In connection with the funding and administration of the Loan, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

 

ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS

 

The following terms as used in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents shall have the following meanings:

 

1.1.                            Appraisals.  Uniform agricultural appraisal reports acceptable to Lender in its reasonable but sole discretion.

 

1.2.                            Appraised Value.  The combined total value of the Properties as established by the Appraisals.

 

1.3.                            Appraised Value of Prior Properties.  The combined total value of the Prior Properties as established by the Appraisals.

 

1.4.                            Assignments of Leases.  The Assignments of Contracts, Rents, Agreements and Leases of even date herewith, executed by Owners in favor of Lender on the Properties.

 

1.5.                            Business Day.  Any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or banking holiday in the State.

 

1.6.                            Contributed Assets.  The assets of Farmland Partners, Inc. (“FPI”) contributed to Issuer at the time of  FPI’s initial public offering on April 16, 2014 that are listed on Annex D attached hereto and made a part hereof.

 

1.7.                            Contributed Asset Agreed Value.  $71,677,570, which is the appraised value of the Contributed Assets, as agreed upon hereby by each of the parties to this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event that any Contributed Asset is sold in whole or in part by FPI or the Issuer to a third party, then the Contributed Asset Agreed Value shall be adjusted downward (i) if such Contributed Asset is sold in whole, by the full amount of the appraised value of such Contributed Asset, as set forth on Annex D, or (ii) if such Contributed Asset is sold in part, by a pro-rated amount of the appraised value for such Contributed Asset, as is reasonably agreed upon by the parties hereto, with such pro-rated amount based upon factors including, but not limited to, the appraisal of such Contributed Asset, the amount and type of acreage of the Contributed Asset sold, and the tillable acreage of such Contributed Asset.

 

1.8.                            Contributed Asset Value Difference.  Initially $33,322,146, which is the difference between the Historical Cost of the Contributed Assets and the Contributed Asset Agreed Value; provided, however, that in the event that any Contributed Asset is sold in whole or in part by FPI or the Issuer to a third party, then the Contributed Asset Value Difference shall mean the difference between the Historical Cost of the Contributed Asset and the Contributed Asset Agreed Value for such Contributed Asset, each as adjusted downward as described herein.

 

1.9.                            Costs.  All fees, charges, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever incurred at any time and from time to time (whether before or after a Default) by Lender in making, funding, administering or modifying the Loan, in negotiating or entering into any

 

 

“workout” of the Loan, or in exercising or enforcing any rights, powers and remedies provided in the Loan Documents, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, receiver’s fees, management fees and costs incurred in the repair, maintenance and operation of, or taking possession of, or selling, the Properties.

 

1.10.                     Default Rate.  A rate equal to the highest rate of interest allowed by Law.

 

1.11.                     Environmental Due Diligence.  Environmental due diligence for the Properties acceptable to Lender, which may include, at Lender’s discretion, phase I environmental site assessments.

 

1.12.                     Event of Default.  The occurrence of any of the events described in Section 7 of this Agreement.

 

1.13.                     GAAP.  Generally accepted accounting principles.

 

1.14.                     Governmental Authority.  Any governmental or quasi-governmental entity, including any court, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, administration, service, district or other instrumentality of any governmental entity.

 

1.15.                     Guaranties.  Those certain Guaranty Agreements dated of even date herewith executed by Guarantors in favor of Lender in which Guarantors, jointly and severally, guarantee to Lender the repayment in full of the Loan.

 

1.16.                     Historical Cost of the Contributed Assets.  $38,355,424; provided, however, that in the event that any Contributed Asset is sold in whole or in part by FPI or the Issuer to a third party, then the Historical Cost of the Contributed Assets shall be adjusted downward (i) if such Contributed Asset is sold in whole, by the full amount of the historical cost of such Contributed Asset, as set forth on Annex D, or (ii) if such Contributed Asset is sold in part, by a pro-rated amount of the historical cost for such Contributed Asset, as is reasonably agreed upon by the parties hereto, with such pro-rated amount based upon factors including, but not limited to, the total historical cost of such Contributed Asset, the amount and type of acreage of the Contributed Asset sold, and the tillable acreage of such Contributed Asset.

 

1.18.                     Indemnity Agreements.  The Environmental Indemnity Agreements of even date herewith, signed by Borrower and the Owners in favor of Lender.

 

1.19.                     Issuer.  Farmland Partners Operating Partnership, LP

 

1.20.                     Laws.  All federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules, ordinances, regulations, codes, licenses, authorizations, decisions, injunctions, interpretations, orders or decrees of any court or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Properties, as may be in effect from time to time.

 

1.21.                     Leases.  All leases and other similar agreements, whether now existing or hereafter entered into, for the Properties, including all lease guaranties related thereto, as the same may be amended or modified from time to time.

 

 

1.22.                     Leverage Ratio.  The ratio of the FPI’s Total Debt to the FPI’s Total Assets.

 

1.23.                     Loan.  The revolving credit loan in the amount of $30,000,000.00, as evidenced by the Note, provided the amounts advanced from time to time shall not exceed sixty percent (60%) of the Appraised Value of the Properties (subject to the conditions stated in Section 6.13 hereof), as determined by Lender based upon the most recent Appraisals. The Loan shall bear interest at an adjustable rate equal to the ninety day (90) LIBOR rate plus one and thirty hundredths percent (1.30%) per annum with interest only payable quarterly and maturity on January 1, 2022 as more particularly provided in the Note.

 

1.24.                     Loan Documents.  The Note, the Mortgages, the Assignments of Leases, the Indemnity Agreements, this Agreement, the Guaranties and any other documents or instruments evidencing or securing the Loan.

 

1.25.                     Loan Proceeds.  Funds disbursed or to be disbursed under the Note pursuant to this Agreement.

 

1.26.                     Mortgages.  The Revolving Credit Deeds of Trust, Assignments of Rents, Security Agreements and Fixture Filings of even date herewith from Owners to Lender encumbering the Properties and securing repayment of the Obligations.

 

1.27.                     Note.  The Revolving Credit Promissory Note of even date herewith, from Borrower to Lender in the principal amount of $30,000,000.00.

 

1.28.                     Obligations.  All present and future debts, obligations and liabilities of Borrower and Owners to Lender arising pursuant to, or on account of, the provisions of this Agreement, the Note or any of the other Loan Documents, including the obligations: (a) to pay all principal, interest, late charges, and other amounts due at any time under the Note; (b) to pay all expenses, indemnification payments, fees and other amounts due at any time under the Loan Documents, together with interest as provided in the Loan Documents; and (c) to perform, observe and comply with all of the terms, covenants and conditions, expressed or implied, which Borrower and Owners are required to perform, observe or comply with pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents.

 

1.29.                     Owners.  (a) AFC California LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; (b) Bartlett (CA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; (c) Sargent Farms (CA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; (d) Booth (CA), LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; (e) Stoneman (CA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; (f) Arnold (CA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company;  and (g) Waterman (CA) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

1.30.                     Person.  An individual, a corporation, a partnership, a joint venture, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated association, any Governmental Authority or any other entity.

 

1.31.                     Properties.  The agricultural farmland owned by the Owners, as more particularly described in the Mortgages and including without limitation, all of the estate, right, title and interest of the Owners into the farmland described in the Mortgages, together 

 

 

with all buildings, structures, and improvements of every nature whatsoever now or hereafter situated thereon.

 

1.32.                     Prior Properties.  The agricultural farmland securing the Previous Loans, together with all buildings, structures, and improvements of every nature whatsoever now or hereafter situated thereon.

 

1.33.                     State.  The State of Tennessee.

 

1.34.                     Title Insurance Agent.  Fidelity National Title Group

	
 
    	
 
    
	
Contact Information:
    	
6060 Poplar Avenue,   Suite LL37
    
	
 
    	
Memphis, Tennessee   38119
    
	
 
    	
Attn: Pam Cox
    
	
 
    	
Telephone: (901)   786-6016
    
	
 
    	
Fax: (901) 821-0400
    
	
 
    	
Email: pam.cox@fntg.com
    
	
 
    	
 
    

 

1.35.                     Title Insurance Commitments.  American Land Title Association (“ALTA”) mortgagee’s title insurance commitments to be issued by the Title Insurance Company on the Properties in such form as is acceptable to Lender.

 

1.36.                     Title Insurance Company.  Fidelity National Title Group.

 

1.37.                     Title Insurance Policies.  ALTA mortgagee’s title insurance policies to be issued by the Title Insurance Company in the amount of the Note showing fee simple title to the Properties to be vested in the Owners and insuring the Mortgages as first liens on the Properties, subject only to exceptions permitted by Lender, and otherwise in form and substance acceptable to Lender including endorsements thereto.

 

1.38.                     Total Assets.  The sum of (a) the Contributed Asset Value Difference and (b) FPI’s total assets as of the end of each fiscal quarter or the fiscal year, as applicable, as presented in the annual CPA audited financial statements; provided, however, that in the event that FPI no longer records the Contributed Assets on a historical cost basis, then Lender, in its sole discretion, may determine that clause (a) shall no longer be included in the calculation of Total Assets.

 

1.39.                     Total Debt.  The total debt of FPI as of the end of each fiscal quarter or the fiscal year, as applicable, as presented in the annual CPA audited financial statements.

 

ARTICLE 2.  WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

 

In consideration for Lender committing to fund the Loan, Borrower hereby represents and warrants to Lender, as follows:

 

 

2.1.                            Purpose of Loan.  The Loan shall be used for working capital purposes, acquisition costs for additional farmland and such other corporate purposes utilized by Borrower in its business.  The Loan is for commercial purposes.

 

2.2.                            Pending Suits.  To Borrower’s knowledge, except for a class action lawsuit entitled “Parshall v. American Farmland Company, et. al., Case No. 24C16005745, filed on October 26, 2016 in Circuit Court for Baltimore City, there are no suits, judgments, bankruptcies or executions pending or threatened against Borrower, Owners or the Properties which, if decided adversely to Borrower, Owners or the Properties, would materially and adversely affect the financial condition of Borrower, Owners or the Properties.

 

2.3.                            Financial Statements.  The Financial Statements delivered by Borrower to  Lender are true and correct in all material respects, fairly present the respective financial condition of the subject thereof as of the respective dates thereof, no material adverse change has occurred in the financial condition reflected therein since the respective dates thereof, and no additional borrowings have been made by Borrower since the date thereof other than the borrowing contemplated hereby or other borrowing approved by Lender.

 

2.4.                            No Mechanic’s or Materialmen’s Liens.  Neither Borrower nor Owners have, as of the date hereof, permitted any work at the Properties or the delivery of any materials to the Properties which could give rise to a lien on the Properties.

 

2.5.                            No Violation of Other Agreements.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the performance of this Agreement and Loan Documents will not result in any breach of, or constitute an Event of Default under, the Borrower’s or Owners’ organizational documents or any other material instrument or agreement to which Borrower or Owners are a party or by which they may be bound or affected.

 

2.6.                            Leases.  All existing Leases are in full force and effect and, to Borrower’s knowledge, no default exists under the Leases as of the date hereof.

 

ARTICLE 3.  THE LOAN

 

3.1.                            Use and Purposes.  Borrower agrees to borrow from Lender and Lender agrees to lend to Borrower the Loan Proceeds, such Loan Proceeds to be subject to all of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement.  The Loan is a revolving line of credit and the outstanding principal balance of the Loan may, from time to time, increase or decrease and may be repaid and re-borrowed as provided in the Note, but shall never, at any one time, exceed the principal sum of $30,000,000.00.  Borrower’s right to re-borrow expires the earlier of an Event of Default under any of the Loan Documents or January 1, 2022 (“Maturity Date”).

 

3.2.                            Advances Secured by Loan Documents.  All disbursements, advances or payments made by Lender hereunder, from time to time, and any amounts expended by Lender under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and all other loan expenses, 

 

 

including reasonable attorneys fees, as and when advanced or incurred, will be deemed to be a part of the Obligations and as such will be secured by the Loan Documents to the same extent and effect as if the terms and provisions of this Agreement were set forth therein.

 

ARTICLE 4.  CONDITIONS TO DISBURSEMENT OF LOAN PROCEEDS

 

Unless otherwise agreed by Lender in writing, Lender will not be obligated to close the Loan and disburse any Loan Proceeds unless and until the following conditions have been satisfied (all in a manner acceptable to Lender):

 

4.1.                            Loan Documents.  Borrower shall have furnished or delivered to Lender, in form and substance acceptable to Lender, the Loan Documents executed by Borrower, Owners and Guarantors, as applicable.

 

4.2.                            Closing Costs.  Borrower shall have paid all reasonable Costs incurred by Lender in connection with the Loan, including the reasonable fees of counsel for the Lender.

 

4.3.                            Financial Statements.  Borrower and FPI shall have delivered to Lender current financial statements for Borrower and FPI certified to be true, correct and complete.  Said financial statements must be current within the last twelve (12) months.

 

4.4.                            Title Policies.  Borrower shall have procured commitments for the issuance of the Title Insurance Policies, in a form acceptable to Lender.

 

4.5.                            Insurance.  Borrower shall have furnished to Lender evidence, either in the form of duplicate policies, binders or certificates, acceptable to Lender (identifying each insurance policy, name of insurer, amount of coverage, deductible provisions and expiration date) that Borrower has purchased, and has in full force and effect as required by Lender and the Loan Documents.

 

4.6.                            Appraisals.  Lender shall have obtained the Appraisals of the Properties which are satisfactory to Lender in amount, form and substance.  Borrower shall pay for the cost of the Appraisals.

 

4.7.                            Organizational Documents.  Lender shall be provided with a copy of Borrower’s, Guarantors’ and  Owners’ organizational documents and evidence of authority to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

4.8.                            Environmental Due Diligence.  Lender shall be provided with such Environmental Due Diligence for the Property as Lender may require, in form and content acceptable to Lender.  All reports shall be addressed to Lender.  Borrower shall pay for the cost of the Environmental Due Diligence.

 

4.9.                            Opinion of Counsel.  Borrower shall provide Lender with an opinion from counsel to Borrower, Guarantors and Owners, in such form and content as reasonably required by Lender.

 

 

4.10.                     Leases.  Lender shall have received and approved executed copies of the Leases.

 

4.11.                     Commitment Fee.  Payment of the commitment fee to Lender in the amount of $75,000.00.

 

4.12.                     Merger.  FPI shall have successfully purchased all of the outstanding capital stock of American Farmland Company (“AFC”) and FPI Heartland GP LLC shall have become the sole general partner of Borrower.

 

ARTICLE 5.  COLLATERAL FOR THE LOAN

 

The Obligations shall be secured by a first priority lien on the Properties as evidenced by the Mortgages and Assignments of Leases.

 

ARTICLE 6.  COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

 

Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender as follows:

 

6.1.                            Costs.  Borrower will pay all reasonable Costs required to satisfy the conditions of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, all taxes and recording expenses, Lender’s attorneys fees, surveys, appraisals, appraisal updates, title insurance, title updates, real estate taxes, and insurance policies.

 

6.2.                            Inspections.  Borrower will permit Lender and its representatives to enter upon the Properties at all reasonable times and upon reasonable notice to inspect the Properties and to examine all records which relate to the ownership and operation of the Properties and will cooperate, and cause Borrower’s manager, if applicable, to cooperate with Lender in such inspections.

 

6.3.                            Brokers.  Borrower will indemnify and hold harmless Lender from and against all claims of brokers and agents arising by reason of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

6.4.                            Advances to Cure Default.  In the event that Borrower fails to perform any of Borrower’s covenants or agreements under this Agreement, and fails to commence a cure of such failure within ten (10) days after written notice from Lender specifying the failure and the action required to cure same, Lender may, but shall not be required to, perform any or all of such covenants and agreements, and any amounts expended by Lender in so doing will be deemed to be a part of the Obligations under this Agreement and under the Loan Documents.

 

6.5.                            Compliance with Laws.  The Properties shall be owned and operated in all material respects in accordance with all applicable Laws, including, without limitation, all zoning, land use, code, setback and other applicable regulations and restrictions.

 

 

6.6.                            Books and Records; Financial Statements; Tax Returns.  FPI shall furnish to Lender company prepared financial statements within sixty (60) days after each quarter end. In addition, FPI shall  furnish to Lender annual CPA audited financial statements within one hundred twenty (120) days of FPI’s fiscal year end, together with such other financial statements and information as Lender may reasonably request from time to time. FPI shall also furnish to Lender annual operating statements for the Properties including an updated rent roll. All financial statements shall be in form satisfactory to Lender.

 

6.7.                            Estoppel Certificates.  Within twenty (20) days after any request by Lender, Borrower shall certify in writing to Lender, the then unpaid balance of the Loan and whether Borrower claims any right of defense or setoff to the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, and if Borrower claims any such right of defense or setoff, Borrower shall give a detailed written description of such claimed right.

 

6.8.                            Notification by Borrower.  Borrower will promptly give written notice to Lender of (i) the occurrence of any Event of Default under the Loan Documents, and (ii) the occurrence of any default, after all applicable notice and cure periods have expired, under the Leases.

 

6.9.                            Indemnification by Borrower.  Borrower agrees to indemnify Lender and to hold Lender harmless from and against, and to defend Lender by counsel approved by Lender against, any and all commercially reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with claims directly or indirectly arising out of or resulting from any transaction, act, omission, event or circumstance in any way connected with the Properties or the Obligations (a “Claim”), including any Claim arising out of or resulting from (a) any failure by Borrower to comply with the requirements of any Laws or to comply with any agreement that applies to the Properties; (b) any failure by Borrower to observe and perform any of the obligations imposed upon the landlord under the Leases; (c) any other Event of Default hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents; or (d) any assertion or allegation that Lender is liable for any act or omission of Borrower or any other Person in connection with the ownership, development, financing, leasing, operation or sale of the Properties; provided, however, that Borrower shall not be obligated to indemnify Lender with respect to any Claim arising solely from the negligence or willful misconduct of Lender.  The agreements and indemnifications contained in this Section shall apply to Claims arising both before and after the repayment of the Loan and shall survive the repayment of the Loan, any foreclosure or deed, assignment or conveyance in lieu thereof and any other action by Lender to enforce the rights and remedies of Lender hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, except for acts or omissions of Lender after taking possession of the Property pursuant to its remedies under the Loan Documents.

 

6.10.                     Appraisals.  Lender shall order updated Appraisals of the Properties on an annual basis, at Borrower’s expense, and which shall be addressed to Lender and approved by Lender in its reasonable but sole discretion.

 

6.11.                     Non-Usage Fee.  Borrower shall pay to Lender an unused line of credit fee equal to one quarter of one percent per annum (.25%) of the Loan amount minus the average outstanding principal balance of the Loan of the prior three (3) month period which fee shall

 

 

be assessed on the first day of each calendar quarter hereafter until the Loan has been paid in full.

 

6.12.                     Leverage Ratio.  Borrower shall cause FPI to maintain during the term of the Loan, a Leverage Ratio of sixty percent (60%) or less. The foregoing covenant shall be tested annually.

 

6.13.                     Loan to Value Ratio.  The aggregate loan amounts outstanding under the Loan and the Previous Loans from time to time shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the Appraised Value of the Properties and the Prior Properties as determined by Lender during the prior twelve (12) months pursuant to updated Appraisals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the loan to appraised value of properties securing a single loan (ie, any one of the Loan or Previous Loans) may increase to a maximum amount of sixty percent (60%) or less so long as the aggregate outstanding principal amounts under the Loan and Previous Loans divided by the aggregate Appraised Value of the Properties and the Appraised Value of Prior Properties is fifty percent (50%) or less. The foregoing covenants shall be tested annually in the fourth calendar quarter. In the event of a default under this Section 6.13, Borrower, at its election, shall have one hundred eighty (180) days (i) to cure such default by either paying down the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loan and the Previous Loans to an amount that would comply with this Section 6.13 or furnish additional first mortgage real estate collateral acceptable to Lender supported by title insurance, environmental due diligence and current Appraisals or (ii) deliver notice to Lender that Borrower will, at its own expense, obtain a new Appraisal of all or a portion of the Properties (a “Reappraisal Notice”).  If Borrower delivers such a Reappraisal Notice, Borrower shall, within 90 days after the date of the Reappraisal Notice, obtain and deliver to Lender a new Appraisal of all or a portion of the Properties which shall be acceptable to Lender in its reasonable but sole discretion.  Subject to Lender’s approval of the new Appraisal, promptly following receipt of such new Appraisal, Lender shall recalculate the loan to value ratio using the Appraisal Value stated therein (and, if the new Appraisal does not include all of the Properties, previously performed Appraisals of any such excluded Properties), and notify Borrower of the results. If such recalculated loan to value ratio is sufficient to comply with the loan to value requirements set forth in this Section 6.13, no further action by Borrower is required with respect to the loan to value requirements for the applicable period. However, if such recalculated loan to value ratio is insufficient for such purpose, Borrower shall have the option (at any time within the 180 day period, but no later than July 1 of any year) to (i) make a prepayment which, if made prior to the date of measurement of such recalculated loan to value ratio, would have caused Borrower to be in compliance with the loan to value requirements set forth herein or (ii) furnish additional first mortgage real estate collateral acceptable to Lender.

 

ARTICLE 7.  EVENT OF DEFAULT

 

7.1                               Event of Default by Borrower, Guarantors and /or Owners.  The occurrence of any one or more of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default” as such term is used herein:

 

 

(a)                                 A failure to pay amounts when due under the Note or the other Loan Documents within five (5) days of when due;

 

(b)                                 Any representation, warranty or statement made by Borrower or Guarantors, as applicable,  in this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other instrument now or hereafter evidencing, securing or in any manner relating to the Loan proves untrue in any material respect;

 

(c)                                  Failure of Borrower and/or Guarantors to comply in all material respects with any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the other Loan Documents, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice from Lender; provided, however, if within such 30 day period Borrower and/or Guarantors, as applicable, has made a good faith effort to comply with such terms and conditions but the failure to complete the same cannot reasonably be cured within such 30 day period, then, provided such efforts continue, and it reasonably appears that they will be successful, then the time to cure such Event of Default shall be extended by a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) additional days (subject to Excusable Delays);

 

(d)                                 Failure of Owners to comply in all material respects with any of the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents; provided, however, if within such 30 day period Owners have made a good faith effort to comply with such terms and conditions but the failure to complete the same cannot reasonably be cured within such 30 day period, then, provided such efforts continue, and it reasonably appears that they will be successful, then the time to cure such Event of Default shall be extended by such reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) additional days (subject to Excusable Delays);

 

(e)                                  If Borrower, Guarantors or Owners file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or is adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or files any petition or answer seeking any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under the present or any future federal bankruptcy act or any other present or future applicable federal, state or other statute or Law, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or seek or consent to or acquiesces in the appointment of any trustee, receiver or liquidator for Borrower or Owners for all or any substantial part of their properties or of the Properties;

 

(f)                                   If within ninety (90) days after the commencement of any proceeding against Borrower, Guarantors or Owners seeking any reorganization, arrangement, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under the present or any future federal bankruptcy act or any other present or future applicable federal, state or other statute or Law, such proceeding is not dismissed, or if, within ninety (90) days after the appointment, without the consent or acquiescence of Borrower, Guarantors, or Owners, as applicable or any trustee, receiver or liquidator for Borrower, Guarantors or Owners for all or any substantial part of their properties or of the Properties;

 

(g)                                  If a third party obtains a judgment not covered or satisfied by insurance against Borrower, Guarantors, Owners or the Properties, which (a) materially and adversely impacts the obligations of the Borrower under the Loan or Guarantors under the Guaranties, and (b) is not vacated and released within thirty (30) days at the date of such judgment;

 

 

(h)                                 An Event of Default has occurred under the First Loan Agreement, Second Loan Agreement, Third Loan Agreement or Fourth Loan Agreement.

 

The occurrence of an Event of Default under this Agreement, the First Loan Agreement, the Second Loan Agreement, the Third Loan Agreement or the Fourth Loan Agreement shall constitute an Event of Default under all of said loan agreements.

 

7.2                                                       Lender’s Remedies in the Default.  Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Lender, in addition to all remedies conferred upon Lender by Law or equity, and by the terms of the Loan Documents, may, in its sole discretion, pursue any one or more of the following remedies concurrently or successively, it being the intent hereof that none of such remedies shall be to the exclusion of any other:

 

(a)                                 Take possession of the Properties and operate the Properties and do anything in its sole judgment to fulfill the obligations of Borrower hereunder, any expense incurred by Lender being deemed to be part of the Obligations, including either the right to avail itself of or procure performance of existing contracts or Leases, under the assignment to Lender or otherwise, or let any contracts with the same vendors or others.  Without restricting the generality of the foregoing and for purposes aforesaid, Borrower hereby appoints and constitutes Lender its lawful attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution in the Properties to operate the Properties in the name of Borrower; to use funds remaining under this Agreement or which may be reserved, or escrowed or set aside for any purpose hereunder at any time to operate the Properties; it being understood and agreed that this power of attorney shall be a power coupled with an interest and cannot be revoked;

 

(b)                                 Lender may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for, and obtain appointment of, a receiver for the Properties;

 

(c)                                  Lender may set off the amounts due Lender under the Loan Documents against any and all accounts, credits, money, securities or other property of Borrower now or hereafter on deposit with, held by or in the possession of Lender to the credit or for the account of Borrower, without notice to or the consent of Borrower;

 

(d)                                 Borrower shall not be relieved of any of the Obligations by reason of the failure of Lender to comply with any request of Borrower or of any other Person to take action to foreclose on the Properties under the Loan Documents or otherwise to enforce any provision of the Loan Documents, or by reason of the release, regardless of consideration, of all or any part of the Properties.  No delay or omission of Lender to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing upon the happening of an Event of Default shall impair any such right, power or remedy or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or any acquiescence therein.  No remedy available to Lender under the Loan Documents or otherwise, is intended to be exclusive of any other remedies provided for in the Loan Documents, and each and every such remedy shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder, or under the Loan Documents, or now or hereafter existing at Law or in equity.  Every right, power and remedy given by the Loan Documents to Lender shall be concurrent and may be pursued separately, successively or together against Borrower, Owners or the Properties or any part

 

 

thereof, and every right, power and remedy given by the Loan Documents may be exercised from time to time as often as may be deemed expedient by Lender;

 

(e)                                  Withhold further disbursement of the Loan Proceeds;

 

(f)                                   Declare the entire balance of the Obligations, without demand or notice of any kind (which are hereby expressly waived) to be due and payable at once and, in such event, such Obligations shall become immediately due and payable;

 

(g)                                  Pursue such other remedies as may be available to Lender at Law or equity.

 

ARTICLE 8.  GENERAL COVENANTS

 

8.1.            No Assignments by Borrower.  This Agreement may not be assigned by Borrower or Guarantors without the prior written consent of Lender.  Borrower will remain liable for payment of all sums advanced hereunder before and after such assignment.

 

8.2.            Assignment by Lender.  This Agreement, the Loan Documents and any other instrument now or hereafter evidencing, securing or in any manner affecting the Loan may be endorsed, assigned and transferred in whole or in part by Lender, and any such holder and assignee of the same will succeed to and be possessed of the rights of Lender under all of the same to the extent transferred and assigned.

 

8.3.            Interest Not to Exceed Maximum Allowed by Law.  If from any circumstances whatsoever, by reason of acceleration or otherwise, the fulfillment of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document involves transcending the limit of validity prescribed by any applicable usury statute or any other applicable Law, with regard to obligations of like character and amount, then the obligations to be fulfilled will be reduced to the limit of such validity as provided in such statute or Law, so that in no event shall any payment of interest or other like charges be possible under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in excess of the limit of such validity.

 

8.4.            Time of the Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Agreement.

 

8.5.            No Agency.  Lender is not the agent or representative of Borrower, and Borrower is not the agent or representative of Lender, and nothing in this Agreement will be construed to make Lender liable to anyone for goods delivered or services performed upon the Properties or for debts or claims accruing against Borrower.

 

8.6.            No Partnership or Joint Venture.  Neither anything contained herein nor the acts of the parties hereto will be construed to create a partnership or joint venture between Borrower and Lender.

 

8.7.            No Third Party Beneficiaries.  All conditions to the obligations of Lender to make advances hereunder are imposed solely and exclusively for the benefit of Lender and

 

 

its assigns and no other person will have standing to require satisfaction of such conditions or be entitled to assume that Lender will not make disbursements in the absence of strict compliance with any or all thereof and no other person, under any circumstances, will be deemed to be beneficiary of such conditions, any or all of which may be waived in whole or in part by  Lender at any time if Lender in its sole discretion deems it advisable to do so.

 

8.8.                            Waiver.  No delay or omission by Lender to exercise any right or power arising from any Event of Default will impair any such right or power or be considered to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or any acquiescence therein nor shall the action or nonaction of Lender in case of an Event of Default on the part of Borrower or Guarantors impair any right or power arising therefrom.  No disbursement of the Loan hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any of the conditions to Lender’s obligation to make further disbursements nor, in the event Borrower is unable to satisfy any such condition, shall any such disbursement have the effect of precluding Lender from thereafter declaring such inability to be an Event of Default as hereinabove provided.

 

8.9.                            Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder will be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person or sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the party being given such notice at the appropriate address set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement, or to such other address as either party may give to the other in writing for such purpose.  All such notices, requests, demands and other communications, if so mailed, will be deemed to be given when so mailed.

 

8.10.                     Partial Invalidity.  In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such validity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been set forth herein.

 

8.11.                     Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, the Loan Documents and the other contracts, agreements and instruments described herein contain all of the terms and conditions related to the disbursement of the Loan by Lender and the use of the Loan by Borrower.  This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing signed by Borrower and Lender.

 

8.12.                     Publicity.  Lender shall not release articles concerning financing of the Properties without the written consent of Borrower.

 

8.13.                     WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  BORROWER, GUARANTORS AND LENDER HEREBY JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS INSTRUMENT AND TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, THE OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, ANY COLLATERAL SECURING THE OBLIGATIONS, OR ANY TRANSACTION ARISING THEREFROM OR CONNECTED THERETO. BORROWER AND LENDER EACH REPRESENT TO THE OTHER THAT THIS WAIVER IS KNOWINGLY, WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY GIVEN.

 

 

8.14.                     Further Assurances.  Borrower and Guarantors agree that at any time, and from time to time, after execution and delivery of this Agreement, each shall, upon the request of Lender, execute and deliver such further documents and do such further things as Lender may reasonably request in order to more fully effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.

 

8.15.                     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Tennessee.

 

8.16.                     Severability.  In the case one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity of the remaining provisions shall be in no way affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.

 

8.17.                     Assignments and Participations.  Lender may sell or offer to sell the Loan or interests therein to one or more assignees or participants.  Borrower shall execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all instruments reasonably requested by Lender in connection therewith, and to the extent, if any, specified in any such assignment or participation, such assignee(s) or participant(s) shall have the same rights and benefits with respect to the Loan Documents as such Person(s) would have if such Person(s) were Lender hereunder.  Lender may disseminate any information it now has or hereafter obtains pertaining to the Loan, including any security for the Loan, any credit or other information on the Properties (including environmental reports and assessments), Borrower, any of Borrower’s principals, to any actual or prospective assignee or participant, to Lender’s affiliates, to any regulatory body having jurisdiction over Lender, to any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to Borrower and the Loan, or to any other party as necessary or appropriate in Lender’s reasonable judgment.  Subject to applicable law, Lender shall use reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of the terms of the Loan and the financial or other information about Borrower and its affiliates.

 

8.18.                     Electronic Transmission of Data.  Lender, Borrower and Guarantors agree that certain data related to the Loan (including confidential information, documents, applications and reports) may be transmitted electronically, including transmission over the Internet to the parties, the parties affiliates, agents and representatives, and other Persons involved with the subject matter of this Agreement.  Borrower and Guarantors acknowledge and agree that (a) there are risks associated with the use of electronic transmission and that Lender does not control the method of transmittal or service providers, (b) Lender has no obligation or responsibility whatsoever and assumes no duty or obligation for the security, receipt or third party interception of any such transmission, and (c) Borrower and Guarantors will release, hold harmless and indemnify Lender from any claim, damage or loss, including that arising in whole or part from Lender’s strict liability or sole, comparative or contributory negligence, which is related to the electronic transmission of data; provided Borrower and Guarantors shall not release or indemnify Lender from and against any claim or damage caused by Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

8.19.                     Forum.  Borrower hereby irrevocably submits generally and unconditionally for itself and in respect of its property to the jurisdiction of any state court or any United States federal court sitting in Memphis, Tennessee with respect to any matter or dispute (a

 

 

“Dispute”) arising in connection with the Loan or the Properties.  Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection that Borrower may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue in any such court and any claim that any such court is an inconvenient forum.  Nothing herein shall affect the right of Lender to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or limit the right of Lender to bring proceedings against Borrower in any other court or jurisdiction.

 

8.20.                     USA Patriot Act Notice.  Lender hereby notifies Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), Lender is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and other information that will allow Lender to identify Borrower in accordance with the Act.

 

(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

 

 

EXECUTED ON THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
AMERICAN FARMLAND   COMPANY L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
FPI Heartland GP LLC, a
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Delaware limited   liability company, its
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
General Partner
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Luca Fabbri
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Luca   Fabbri
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
GUARANTORS:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FARMLAND   PARTNERS, INC., a Maryland Corporation
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By: 
    	
/s/   Luca Fabbri
    
	
 
    	
Title: 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer and Treasurer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FARMLAND PARTNERS   OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.,
    
	
 
    	
a Delaware limited   partnership
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By: 
    	
/s/   Luca Fabbri
    
	
 
    	
Title: 
    	
Chief   Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
LENDER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
RUTLEDGE   INVESTMENT COMPANY, a
    
	
 
    	
Tennessee corporation
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BY:
    	
/s/ Gwin S. Smith
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Gwin   S. Smith, PresidentExhibit 10.12

 

GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this “Guaranty”) is made as of February 3, 2017, by FARMLAND PARTNERS, INC., a Maryland corporation (“Guarantor”) to and for the benefit of RUTLEDGE INVESTMENT COMPANY, a Tennessee corporation (“Lender”), and its successors and assigns.

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                    As more fully provided in that certain Loan Agreement (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, renewed or replaced from time to time, the “Loan Agreement”) of even date herewith by and between American Farmland Company L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Borrower”) and Lender, Lender has agreed to make a revolving credit loan to Borrower in the aggregate principal amount of up to Thirty Million and No/100 Dollars ($30,000,000.00) (the “Loan”).

 

B.                                    The Loan is evidenced by that certain Revolving Credit Promissory Note made by Borrower, as maker, payable to Lender, as payee, in the aggregate principal amount of Thirty Million and No/100 Dollars ($30,000,000.00) (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, renewed or replaced from time to time, the “Note”).

 

C.                                    The Loan is secured by, among other things, seven (7) deeds of trust (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, renewed or replaced from time to time, collectively, the “Security Instrument”) encumbering certain farm properties owned by Borrower located in  Monterey, Merced, Yolo, Madera, Fresno and Tulare Counties, California.

 

D.                                    A condition precedent to Lender’s obligation to make the Loan to Borrower is Guarantor’s execution and delivery of this Guaranty to Lender.

 

E.                                     Guarantor will benefit directly or indirectly and substantially from the making of the Loan.

 

F.                                      Any capitalized term used and not defined in this Guaranty shall have the meaning given to such term in the Loan Agreement.  This Guaranty is one of the Loan Documents described in the Loan Agreement.

 

For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, and as a material inducement to Lender to extend credit to Borrower, Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees as follows, incorporating by reference the foregoing recitals as a part of this Guaranty:

 

1.                                      Guaranty.

 

(a)                                 Guaranty of Payment.

 

Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Lender the full and punctual payment and performance when due of all of the Obligations, whether such Obligations would have arisen at maturity or earlier by reason of acceleration or otherwise and whether denominated as  damages, principal, interest, fees or otherwise, together with all pre- and post- maturity interest thereon (including,

 

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without limitation, amounts that, but for the initiation of any proceeding under any insolvency or bankruptcy law, would become due).

 

(b)                                 Generally.

 

This is a guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection.  The liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be direct and immediate and not conditional or contingent upon the pursuit of any remedies against Borrower or any other person (including, without limitation, other guarantors, if any), nor against the collateral for the Loan.  Guarantor waives any right to require that an action be brought against Borrower or any other person or to require that resort be had to any collateral for the Loan or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of Lender in favor of Borrower or any other person.  In the event, on account of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended, or any other debtor relief law (whether statutory, common law, case law or otherwise) of any jurisdiction whatsoever, now or hereafter in effect, which may be or become applicable, Borrower shall be relieved of or fail to incur any debt, obligation or liability as provided in the Loan Documents, Guarantor shall nevertheless be fully liable therefor.  In the Event of a Default under the Loan Documents which is not cured within any applicable grace or cure period, Lender shall have the right to enforce its rights, powers and remedies (including, without limitation, foreclosure of all or any portion of the collateral for the Loan) thereunder or hereunder, in any order, and all rights, powers and remedies available to Lender in such event shall be non-exclusive and cumulative of all other rights, powers and remedies provided thereunder or hereunder or by law or in equity.  If the Obligations guaranteed hereby are partially paid or discharged by reason of the exercise of any of the remedies available to Lender, this Guaranty shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect, and Guarantor shall remain liable for all remaining Obligations, even though any rights which Guarantor may have against Borrower may be destroyed or diminished by the exercise of any such remedy. Guarantor shall be liable for the payment and performance of the Obligations, as set forth in this Guaranty, as a primary obligor and for the payment of any sums expended by Lender as set forth in the preceding sentence. This Guaranty shall be effective as a waiver of, and Guarantor hereby expressly waives, any and all rights to which Guarantor may otherwise have been entitled under any suretyship laws in effect from time to time, including any right or privilege, whether existing under statute, at law or in equity, to require Lender to take prior recourse or proceedings against any collateral, security or entity whatsoever.  All payments, whether voluntary or involuntary, received by Lender with respect to the Obligations from any source other than Guarantor, including, without limitation, payments from Borrower or any other guarantor and amounts received from any Collateral may, for purposes of determining Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty, be applied to the Obligations in such order as Lender may from time to time determine in its sole discretion.  Without limiting the foregoing, Lender may apply such payments first to Obligations that are not guaranteed by Guarantor until such Obligations are paid in full before applying such payments to Obligations that are guaranteed by Guarantor.

 

2.                                      Indemnity.  Without limiting the generality of Section 1 hereof, Guarantor shall indemnify, defend (with counsel acceptable to Lender) and save harmless Lender from and against all damages, losses, liabilities, obligations, penalties, claims, demands, defenses, judgments, suits, proceedings, penalties, expenditures, costs, disbursements and expenses (including, without limitation, court costs and attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may, at any time or from time to time, be imposed upon, incurred by or asserted or awarded against Lender by reason of, or arising from or out of, the Lender’s enforcement (or attempted enforcement) of this Guaranty or any of the other Loan Documents.

 

3.                                      Reinstatement of Obligations.  This Guaranty shall continue to be effective, or be reinstated automatically, as the case may be, if at any time payment, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations guaranteed hereby is rescinded or otherwise must be restored or returned by Lender (whether

 

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as a preference, fraudulent conveyance or otherwise) upon or in connection with the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of Borrower, Guarantor or any other person, or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, Borrower, Guarantor or any other person or for a substantial part of Borrower’s, Guarantor’s or any of such other person’s property, as the case may be, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.  Guarantor further agrees that in the event any such payment is rescinded or must be restored or returned, all costs and reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by or on behalf of Lender in defending or enforcing such continuance or reinstatement, as the case may be, shall constitute costs of enforcement, the payment of which is covered by Guarantor’s indemnity pursuant to Section 2 above.

 

4.                                      Waivers by Guarantor.  To the extent permitted by law, Guarantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert or take advantage of:

 

(a)                                 Any right to require Lender to proceed against Borrower or any other person or to proceed against or exhaust any security held by Lender at any time or to pursue any other remedy in Lender’s power or under any other agreement before proceeding against Guarantor hereunder;

 

(b)                                 The defense of the statute of limitations in any action hereunder;

 

(c)                                  Any defense that may arise by reason of the incapacity, lack of authority, death or disability of any other person or persons or the failure of Lender to file or enforce a claim against the estate (in administration, bankruptcy or any other proceeding) of any other person or persons;

 

(d)                                 Demand, presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, intent to accelerate, acceleration, protest, notice of protest and all other notices of any kind, or the lack of any thereof, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, notice of the existence, creation or incurring of any new or additional indebtedness or obligation or of any action or non-action on the part of Borrower, Lender, any endorser or creditor of Borrower or of Guarantor or on the part of any other person whomsoever under this or any other instrument in connection with any obligation or evidence of indebtedness held by Lender;

 

(e)                                  Any defense based upon an election of remedies by Lender;

 

(f)                                   Any right or claim of right to cause a marshalling of the assets of Guarantor;

 

(g)                                  Any principle or provision of law, statutory or otherwise, which is or might be in conflict with the terms and provisions of this Guaranty;

 

(h)                                 Any duty on the part of Lender to disclose to Guarantor any facts Lender may now or hereafter know about Borrower or the Property, regardless of whether Lender has reason to believe that any such facts materially increase the risk beyond that which Guarantor intends to assume or has reason to believe that such facts are unknown to Guarantor or has a reasonable opportunity to communicate such facts to Guarantor, it being understood and agreed that Guarantor is fully responsible for being and keeping informed of the financial condition of Borrower, of the condition of the Property and of any and all circumstances bearing on the risk that liability may be incurred by Guarantor hereunder;

 

(i)                                     Any lack of notice of disposition or of manner of disposition of any collateral for the Loan;

 

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(j)                                    Any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability, in whole or in part, of any one or more of the Loan Documents;

 

(k)                                 To the extent permitted by law, lack of commercial reasonableness in dealing with the collateral for the Loan;

 

(l)                                     Any deficiencies in the collateral for the Loan or any deficiency in the ability of Lender to collect or to obtain performance from any persons or entities now or hereafter liable for the payment and performance of any obligation hereby guaranteed;

 

(m)                             Any assertion or claim that the automatic stay provided by 11 U.S.C. §362 (arising upon the voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceeding of Borrower) or any other stay provided under any other debtor relief law (whether statutory, common law, case law or otherwise) of any jurisdiction whatsoever, now or hereafter in effect, which may be or become applicable, shall operate or be interpreted to stay, interdict, condition, reduce or inhibit the ability of Lender to enforce any of its rights, whether now or hereafter required, which Lender may have against Guarantor or the collateral for the Loan;

 

(n)                                 Any modifications of the Loan Documents or any obligation of Borrower relating to the Loan by operation of law or by action of any court, whether pursuant to the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended, or any other debtor relief law (whether statutory, common law, case law or otherwise) of any jurisdiction whatsoever, now or hereafter in effect, or otherwise; and

 

(o)                                 Any action, occurrence, event or matter consented to by Guarantor under Section 6(i) hereof, under any other provision hereof, or otherwise.

 

In addition, Guarantor expressly agrees that Guarantor shall be and remain liable, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, for any deficiency remaining after foreclosure of any mortgage, security deed, deed of trust or other security interest securing the Obligations, whether or not the liability of Borrower or any other obligor for such deficiency is discharged pursuant to statute or judicial decision. Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives reliance on any anti-deficiency statute, through subrogation or otherwise, and any such statute shall in no way affect or impair Guarantor’s obligations and liabilities hereunder.

 

5.                                      Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of Guarantor. Guarantor hereby represents, warrants, and covenants that (a) Guarantor has a direct or indirect financial interest in the Borrower and will derive a material and substantial benefit, directly or indirectly, from the making of the Loan to Borrower and from the making of this Guaranty by Guarantor; (b) this Guaranty has been duly authorized, executed and delivered, and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of Guarantor, enforceable in accordance with its terms; (c) Guarantor is not, and the execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of this Guaranty will not cause Guarantor to be, in violation of or in default with respect to any law, any order of any court or governmental agency, the Guarantor’s charter documents and by-laws of Guarantor or in default (or at risk of acceleration of indebtedness) under any agreement or restriction by which Guarantor is bound or affected; (d) Guarantor is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization and has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Guaranty; (e) Guarantor will indemnify the Lender from any loss, cost or expense as a result of any representation or warranty of Guarantor being false, incorrect, incomplete or misleading in any material respect; (f) as of the date hereof, there is no litigation pending or, to the knowledge of Guarantor, threatened before or by any tribunal against or affecting Guarantor, which would have a material and adverse effect on Guarantor’s ability to perform its obligations under this Guaranty; (g) all financial statements and information heretofore furnished to Lender by Guarantor

 

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do, and all financial statements and information hereafter furnished to Lender by Guarantor will, fully and accurately as of their dates, present the condition (financial or otherwise) of Guarantor and the results of Guarantor’s operations for the periods therein specified, and, since the date of the most recent financial statements of Guarantor heretofore furnished to Lender, and as of the date hereof, no material adverse change has occurred in the financial condition of Guarantor, nor, except as heretofore disclosed in writing to Lender, has Guarantor incurred any material liability, direct or indirect, fixed or contingent; (h) after giving effect to this Guaranty, Guarantor is solvent, is not knowingly engaged or about to engage in business or a transaction for which the property of Guarantor is an unreasonably small capital, and does not intend to incur or believe that it will incur debts that will be beyond its ability to pay as such debts mature; (i) Lender has no duty at any time to investigate or inform Guarantor of the financial or business condition or affairs of Borrower or any change therein, and Guarantor will keep fully apprised of Borrower’s financial and business condition; (j) Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that Guarantor may be required to perform the guaranteed Obligations in full without assistance or support from Borrower or any other Person; and (k) Guarantor has read and fully understands the provisions contained in the Note, the Loan Agreement, the Security Instrument and the other Loan Documents. Guarantor’s representations, warranties and covenants are a material inducement to Lender to enter into the other Loan Documents and shall survive the execution hereof and any bankruptcy, foreclosure, transfer of security or other event affecting Borrower, Guarantor, any other party, or any security for all or any part of the Obligations.

 

6.                                      General Provisions.

 

(a)                                 Fully Recourse.  All of the terms and provisions of this Guaranty are recourse obligations of Guarantor.

 

(b)                                 Obligations. Guarantor hereby acknowledges that Guarantor’s guaranty is not secured by the Security Instrument or the other Loan Documents and that Lender would not make the Loan but for the personal liability undertaken by Guarantor herein.

 

(c)                                  Survival.  This Guaranty shall be deemed to be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect and shall survive the exercise of any remedy by Lender under the Security Instrument or any of the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, any foreclosure or deed in lieu thereof.

 

(d)                                 Subordination; No Recourse Against Lender.  If, for any reason whatsoever, Borrower is now or hereafter becomes indebted to Guarantor:

 

(i)    such indebtedness and all interest thereon and all liens, security interests and rights now or hereafter existing with respect to property of Borrower securing the same shall, at all times, be subordinate in all respects to the Obligations and to all liens, security interests and rights now or hereafter existing to secure the Obligations;

 

(ii)   Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce or receive payment, directly or indirectly, of any such indebtedness of Borrower to Guarantor until the Obligations have been fully and finally performed;

 

(iii) Guarantor hereby assigns and grants to Lender a security interest in all such indebtedness and security therefor, if any, of Borrower to Guarantor now existing or hereafter arising, including any dividends and payments pursuant to debtor relief or insolvency proceedings referred to below. In the event of receivership, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement or other debtor relief or insolvency proceedings involving

 

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Borrower as debtor, Lender shall have the right to prove its claim in any such proceeding so as to establish its rights hereunder and shall have the right to receive directly from the receiver, trustee or other custodian (whether or not a default shall have occurred or be continuing under any of the Loan Documents), dividends and payments that are payable upon any obligation of Borrower to Guarantor now existing or hereafter arising, and to have all benefits of any security therefor, until the Obligations have been fully and finally performed. If, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, Guarantor should receive any payment, claim or distribution that is prohibited as provided above in this Section 6(d), Guarantor shall pay the same to Lender immediately, Guarantor hereby agreeing that it shall receive the payment, claim or distribution in trust for Lender and shall have absolutely no dominion over the same except to pay it immediately to Lender; and

 

(iv)   Guarantor shall promptly upon request of Lender from time to time execute such documents and perform such acts as Lender may require to evidence and perfect its interest and to permit or facilitate exercise of its rights under this Section 6(d), including, but not limited to, execution and delivery of financing statements, proofs of claim, further assignments and security agreements, and delivery to Lender of any promissory notes or other instruments evidencing indebtedness of Borrower to Guarantor. All promissory notes, accounts receivable ledgers or other evidences, now or hereafter held by Guarantor, of obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall contain a specific written notice thereon that the indebtedness evidenced thereby is subordinated under and is subject to the terms of this Guaranty.  Further, Guarantor shall not have any right of recourse against Lender by reason of any action Lender may take or omit to take under the provisions of this Guaranty or under the provisions of any of the Loan Documents.

 

(e)                                  Subrogation.  Notwithstanding the satisfaction by Guarantor of any liability hereunder, Guarantor shall not have any right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement or indemnity whatsoever or any right of recourse to or with respect to the assets or property of Borrower or to any collateral for the Loan, or to participate in any way in the indebtedness, or in any right, title or interest in and to any security or right of recourse for the indebtedness, until the indebtedness has been fully and finally paid.  In connection with the foregoing, Guarantor expressly waives in favor of Lender any and all rights of subrogation to Lender against Borrower, and Guarantor hereby waives any rights to enforce any remedy which Lender may have against Borrower and any right to participate in any collateral for the Loan.  If Guarantor is or becomes an “insider” (as defined in Section 101 of the United States Bankruptcy Code) with respect to Borrower, then Guarantor hereby irrevocably and absolutely waives any and all rights of contribution, indemnification, reimbursement or any similar rights against Borrower with respect to this Guaranty (including any right of subrogation), whether such rights arise under an express or implied contract or by operation of law. It is the intention of the parties that Guarantor shall not be deemed to be a “creditor” (as defined in Section 101 of the United States Bankruptcy Code) of Borrower by reason of the existence of this Guaranty in the event that Borrower or Guarantor becomes a debtor in any proceeding under the United States Bankruptcy Code. This waiver is given to induce Lender to make the Loan to Borrower as evidenced by the Note.

 

(f)                                   Reservation of Rights.  Nothing contained in this Guaranty shall prevent or in any way diminish or interfere with any rights or remedies, including, without limitation, the right to contribution, which Lender may have against Borrower, Guarantor or any other party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (codified at Title 42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq.), as it may be amended from time to time, or any other applicable federal, state or local laws, all such rights being hereby expressly reserved.

 

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(g)                                  Disclosure of Information. Guarantor authorizes the Lender to disclose the financial records of Guarantor to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Lender, any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, or to any advisory firm engaged by Lender. Lender may disclose any Guarantor financial information to any regulatory body having jurisdiction over Lender, to any agent or attorney of Lender, to any actual or prospective purchaser, transferee, assignee or participant of all or any portion of Lender’s rights with respect to the Loan, and in such other circumstances and to such other parties as necessary or appropriate in Lender’s reasonable judgment.

 

(h)                                 Rights Cumulative; Payments.  Lender’s rights under this Guaranty shall be in addition to all rights of Lender under the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Security Instrument and the other Loan Documents.  Further, payments made by Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not reduce in any respect Borrower’s obligations and liabilities under the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Security Instrument and the other Loan Documents.

 

(i)                                     No Limitation on Liability.  Guarantor hereby consents and agrees that Lender may at any time and from time to time without further consent from Guarantor do any of the following, and the liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be unconditional and absolute and shall in no way be impaired or limited by any of the following, whether occurring with or without notice to Guarantor or with or without consideration:  (i) any extensions of time for performance required by any of the Loan Documents or extension or renewal of the Note; (ii) any sale, assignment or foreclosure of the Loan (or any portion thereof), the Loan Agreement, the Note, the Security Instrument or any of the other Loan Documents or any sale or transfer of the Property; (iii) any change in the composition of Borrower, including, without limitation, the withdrawal or removal of Guarantor from any current or future position of ownership, management or control of Borrower; (iv) the accuracy or inaccuracy of the representations and warranties made by Guarantor herein or by Borrower in any of the Loan Documents; (v) the release of Borrower or of any other person or entity from performance or observance of any of the agreements, covenants, terms or conditions contained in any of the Loan Documents by operation of law, Lender’s voluntary act or otherwise; (vi) the release or substitution in whole or in part of any security for the Loan; (vii) Lender’s failure to record the Security Instrument or to file any financing statement (or Lender’s improper recording or filing thereof) or to otherwise perfect, protect, secure or insure any lien or security interest given as security for the Loan; (viii) the modification of the terms of any one or more of the Loan Documents; or (ix) the taking or failure to take any action of any type whatsoever.  No such action which Lender shall take or fail to take in connection with the Loan Documents or any collateral for the Loan, nor any course of dealing with Borrower or any other person, shall limit, impair or release Guarantor’s obligations hereunder, affect this Guaranty in any way or afford Guarantor any recourse against Lender.  Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to require Lender to take or refrain from taking any action referred to herein.

 

(j)                                    Entire Guaranty; Amendment; Severability.  This Guaranty contains the entire agreement between the parties respecting the matters herein set forth and supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties respecting such matters.  Any amendments or modifications hereto, in order to be effective, shall be in writing and executed by the parties hereto.  A determination that any provision of this Guaranty is unenforceable or invalid shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision, and any determination that the application of any provision of this Guaranty to any person or circumstance is illegal or unenforceable shall not affect the enforceability or validity of such provision as it may apply to any other persons or circumstances.

 

(k)                                 Governing Law; Binding Effect; Waiver of Acceptance.  The construction, validity and performance of this Guaranty and the obligations arising hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Tennessee applicable to contracts made and performed in such state (without regard to principles of conflict of laws) and any applicable law of the

 

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United States of America.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives any claim to assert that the law of any other jurisdiction governs this Guaranty.  This Guaranty shall bind Guarantor and the respective successors and assigns of Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and the officers, directors, shareholders, agents and employees of Lender and their respective heirs, successors and assigns.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Guarantor shall not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Guaranty without the prior written consent of Lender, which consent may be withheld by Lender in its sole discretion.  Guarantor hereby waives any acceptance of this Guaranty by Lender, and this Guaranty shall immediately be binding upon Guarantor.

 

(l)                                     Notices.  All notices, demands or documents which are required or permitted to be given or served hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when delivered or mailed in the manner set forth in the Loan Agreement, addressed to Borrower and Lender as provided in the Loan Agreement, and addressed to Guarantor at the address set forth opposite Guarantor’s name below, or at any other address specified in a notice given by such party to the other parties not less than ten (10) days prior to the effective date of the address change.  This section shall not be construed in any way to affect or impair any waiver of notice or demand provided in this Guaranty or in any Loan Document or to require giving of notice or demand to or upon any Person in any situation or for any reason.

 

(m)                             No Waiver; Time of Essence.  The failure of any party hereto to enforce any right or remedy hereunder, or to promptly enforce any such right or remedy, shall not constitute a waiver thereof nor give rise to any estoppel against such party nor excuse any of the parties hereto from their respective obligations hereunder.  Any waiver of such right or remedy must be in writing and signed by the party to be bound.  This Guaranty is subject to enforcement at law or in equity, including actions for damages or specific performance.  Time is of the essence hereof.

 

(n)                                 Captions for Convenience.  The captions and headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Guaranty are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed in interpreting the provisions hereof.

 

(o)                                 Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event it is necessary for Lender to retain the services of an attorney or any other consultants in order to enforce this Guaranty, or any portion thereof, Guarantor agrees to pay to Lender any and all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by Lender as a result thereof.

 

(p)                                 Successive Actions.  A separate right of action hereunder shall arise each time Lender acquires knowledge of any matter indemnified or guaranteed by Guarantor under this Guaranty.  Separate and successive actions may be brought hereunder to enforce any of the provisions hereof at any time and from time to time.  No action hereunder shall preclude any subsequent action, and Guarantor hereby waives and covenants not to assert any defense in the nature of splitting of causes of action or merger of judgments.

 

(q)                                 Reliance.  Lender would not make the Loan to Borrower without this Guaranty.  Accordingly, Guarantor intentionally and unconditionally enters into the covenants and agreements as set forth above and understands that, in reliance upon and in consideration of such covenants and agreements, the Loan shall be made and, as part and parcel thereof, specific monetary and other obligations have been, are being and shall be entered into which would not be made or entered into but for such reliance.

 

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(r)                                    Submission to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

 

(i)                                     Guarantor hereby irrevocably submits generally and unconditionally for itself and in respect of its property to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court in the County of Shelby in the State of Tennessee, and waives personal service of any and all process upon Guarantor and agrees that all such service of process may be made by certified or registered mail directed to Guarantor at the address set forth on the signature page hereof, but service so made shall be deemed to be completed only upon actual receipt thereof.  Guarantor waives any objection to jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted against Guarantor as provided herein and agrees not to assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue.  Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that the venues provided above are the most convenient forum for Lender, Borrower and Guarantor.  Nothing contained herein shall prevent Lender from bringing any action, enforcing any award or judgment or exercising any rights against any party individually, against any security or against any property of any party within any other county, state or other foreign or domestic jurisdiction.

 

(ii)                                  LENDER AND GUARANTOR, TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HEREBY KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY, WITH AND UPON THE ADVICE OF COMPETENT COUNSEL, WAIVE, RELINQUISH AND FOREVER FORGO THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY CONDUCT, ACT OR OMISSION OF LENDER OR GUARANTOR, OR ANY OF THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, PARTNERS, MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR ATTORNEYS, OR ANY OTHER PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH LENDER OR GUARANTOR, IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE.

 

(s)                                   Waiver by Guarantor.  Guarantor covenants and agrees that, upon the commencement of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceeding by or against Borrower, Guarantor shall not seek or cause Borrower or any other person or entity to seek a supplemental stay or other relief, whether injunctive or otherwise, pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 105 or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended, or any other debtor relief law, (whether statutory, common law, case law or otherwise) of any jurisdiction whatsoever, now or hereafter in effect, which may be or become applicable, to stay, interdict, condition, reduce or inhibit the ability of Lender to enforce any rights of Lender against Guarantor or the collateral for the Loan by virtue of this Guaranty or otherwise.

 

(t)                                    No Petition.  Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees that it will not at any time institute against Borrower, or join in any institution against Borrower of, any bankruptcy proceedings under any United States federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.

 

(u)                                 Joint and Several Liability.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if there is more than one signatory to this Guaranty or a separate guaranty, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by Guarantor herein, and the liability of Guarantor hereunder, are and shall be joint and several.

 

(v)                                 Counterparts.  This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be effective only upon delivery and thereafter shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall be taken to be one and the same instrument, for the same effect as if all parties hereto had signed the same signature page.  Any signature page of this Guaranty may be detached from any counterpart of this Guaranty without impairing the legal effect of any signatures thereon and may be attached to another counterpart of this Guaranty identical in form hereto but having attached to it one or

 

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more additional signature pages.  It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Guaranty to produce or account for more than one such counterpart for each of the parties hereto. Delivery by facsimile or electronic transmission by any of the parties hereto of an executed counterpart of this Guaranty shall be as effective as an original executed counterpart hereof and shall be deemed a representation that an original executed counterpart hereof will be delivered. Each counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original and shall be binding upon all parties, their successors and assigns.

 

(w)                               Interpretation. The term “Lender” shall be deemed to include any subsequent holder(s) of the Note or any portion thereof or interest therein. Whenever the context of any provisions hereof shall require it, words in the singular shall include the plural, words in the plural shall include the singular, and pronouns of any gender shall include the other genders. Captions and headings in this Guaranty are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Guaranty. All references in this Guaranty to Schedules, Articles, Sections, Subsections, paragraphs and subparagraphs refer to the respective subdivisions of this Guaranty, unless such reference specifically identifies another document. The terms “herein”, “hereof” “hereto”, “hereunder” and similar terms refer to this Guaranty and not to any particular Section or subsection of this Guaranty. The terms “include” and “including” shall be interpreted as if followed by the words “without limitation”. All references in this Guaranty to sums denominated in dollars or with the symbol “$” refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America, unless such reference specifically identified another currency. The Loan Documents are for the sole benefit of Lender and Borrower and are not for the benefit of any third party.

 

THIS GUARANTY REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.

 

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has duly executed this Guaranty Agreement under seal as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
GUARANTOR:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FARMLAND   PARTNERS, INC., a
    
	
 
    	
Maryland corporation
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Luca Fabbri
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Luca Fabbri
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Chief Financial   Officer and Treasurer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
STATE  OF COLORADO
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
COUNTY OF DENVER
    	
 
    

 

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me in the aforesaid jurisdiction this 3rd day of February, 2017, by Luca Fabbri, as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Farmland Partners, Inc., a Maryland corporation, on behalf of the corporation.

 

	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Dana Lyn   Bergen
    
	
 
    	
Notary Public
    
	
My Commission   Expires:
    	
4/1/2019
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
[Affix Notarial Seal]
    	
 
    
					

 

	
Address for notices:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Farmland   Partners, Inc.
    	
 
    
	
4600 S. Syracuse   Street, Suite 1450
    	
 
    
	
Denver, Colorado 80237
    	
 
    
	
Attention: Luca Fabbri
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
With a copy to:
    	
 
    
	
Monica Guzikowski
    	
 
    
	
Morrison &   Foerster LLP
    	
 
    
	
250 West 55th Street
    	
 
    
	
New York, New York   10019-9601
    	
 
    

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO GUARANTY AGREEMENT]

 

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