reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:205. Types of loans; security

RS 3:205 - Types of loans; security
A. Corporations organized under this Chapter shall only make loans to and contract for advances with its members or to other persons whose loans are beneficial to members and are guaranteed by members in whole or in part. Loans shall be secured by pledge of shares of the corporation having a total valuation, based on par value of the shares, of not less than ten percent of the amount of the loan. No loan to any one borrower shall be in excess of twenty percent of the capital stock subscribed and paid in.
B. Loans made by such corporations shall be classified as current loans, and continuing credit loans, and only such loans shall be made.
C.(1) Current loans are those made for any one or more of the purposes for which the corporation is formed, definitely terminating within the current year of the loan, or within a period of time not less than six months nor more than three years from date of the loan.
(2) Current loans shall be secured by a pledge of the capital stock of the corporation, and may be additionally secured by: a security interest affecting crops, livestock, work animals, and agricultural implements; a mortgage on real estate; and by such other collateral security as the board of directors of the corporation may require.
D. Continuing credit loans are those made to the borrower for his successive agricultural operations over a period of time not exceeding ten years, on a specifically described farm, of a stated sum of money designated as the "maximum", and secured by a pledge of capital stock of the corporation and any one or all of the following:
(1) A mortgage of the farm.
(2) A security interest affecting crops, those presently planted and growing as well as all successive crops to be planted, grown, cultivated, and harvested thereon during the entire period of time, as fixed in the loan.
(3) A security interest affecting all livestock and work animals and agricultural implements belonging to borrower and located on the farm at the beginning of the loan.
(4) A security interest affecting such other collateral security as the corporation may require and accept.
Acts 1989, No. 137, §2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 539, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:207. Priority arising from security for continuing credit loan

RS 3:207 - Priority arising from security for continuing credit loan
The real estate mortgage, and the security agreement as affecting the successive crops for the period of the loan, as well as affecting all the livestock, work animals, and agricultural implements of the borrower, as well as the pledge of the capital stock of the corporation and of other collateral security, and the giving and taking of other and additional security, all for the purpose of securing the continuing credit loan for its stated amount, with interest, attorney fees, and costs, and to extend over the term of the continuing credit loan, are lawful; and each
(1) Shall have preference and priority over all other liens and encumbrances which are created, recorded, filed, claimed, or which arise in any manner whatsoever, subsequent to the recording of the mortgage and the filing of a financing statement evidencing the corporation's security interest securing the continuing credit loan in accordance with applicable law, with the exception of subsequently perfected purchase money security interests as affecting livestock and work animals, agricultural implements, and other property purchased, to the extent that such a subsequently perfected purchase money security interest may be entitled to super priority rights under R.S. 10:9-324, and
(2) With the exception of a subsequently perfected purchase money security interest as noted in Paragraph (1) of this Section, the continuing credit loan and the notes, issued in order to facilitate the lender to make the advances, shall first be paid and satisfied, in full with attorney fees and costs, from the proceeds of any and all sales of the mortgaged property and the crops, livestock, and other collateral security on which a security interest was granted, before any payment shall be made from any of the proceeds in satisfaction of any other lien and encumbrance created, arising, perfected, or recorded thereafter or as affecting successive crops.
Acts 1989, No. 137, §2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 539, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 128, §2, eff. July 1, 2001.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:208. Notes to be negotiable; payment of single note not to discharge debt; other claimants subordinated

RS 3:208 - Notes to be negotiable; payment of single note not to discharge debt; other claimants subordinated
The notes of each indeterminate series furnished from time to time by the borrower to the corporation, as provided for in R.S. 3:206, shall be negotiable, and their payment in full, with interest, attorney's fees, and costs in accordance with the tenor of each, shall be secured by the mortgage, the security agreement, and the corporation's security interests, all as executed between corporation and borrower securing the continuing credit loan. The payment, satisfaction, retirement, or cancellation of any note shall not operate as a payment, cancellation, or novation of the debt due by the borrower to the corporation, for the maximum amount of the continuing credit loan, interest, attorney's fees, and costs, which shall exist as a contractual obligation between the borrower and corporation during the entire period of the continuing credit loan. No holder or owner of any encumbrance previously subordinated to or which is created, claimed, recorded, or which arises subsequent to the recordation of the mortgage or the perfection of the corporation's security interest, excepting only those subsequently perfected purchase money security interests as specified in R.S. 3:207(1) and legal charges shall receive by preference and priority any proceeds from any sale, judicial or otherwise, of any of the property so mortgaged and secured until the corporation, and the holder or holders of all issued notes shall have been paid in full, interest, attorney's fees, and costs, all amounts due to the corporation and holder or holders of the notes.
Acts 1989, No. 137, §2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 539, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:209. Loans to non-members

RS 3:209 - Loans to non-members
The corporation may enter into and execute all contracts and agreements and loans, as authorized in this Chapter, with a borrower who is not a member of the corporation provided
(1) that the borrower is a tenant or lessee of a member or the payment of the loan of the borrower has been guaranteed by a member, and
(2) that the amount of capital stock required by the corporation as part security for the loan is pledged and delivered by the member to the corporation; and in each case the act executed between the corporation and borrower shall state the position of the borrower, who is not a member, and the member lessor or guarantor shall intervene in the act for the purpose of substantiating the averments and making the pledge and pawn and delivery of the stock as required.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:210. Bond to guarantee payment of several loans; mortgage security; recording instruments

RS 3:210 - Bond to guarantee payment of several loans; mortgage security; recording instruments
A. It shall be lawful for any member to guarantee the payment in whole or in part of one or more current and continuing credit loans made to one or more borrowers, including his own; to execute his members obligation and bond therefor; and in order to secure and insure the faithful performance of each and every obligation undertaken in the bond and to secure and enforce the full and final payment of each loan guaranteed and of all of the notes issued in order to facilitate the lender to make the advances contemplated and contracted for in any such loan, to execute mortgages of realty and security agreements affecting livestock, work animals, and agricultural implements, with such security clauses, stipulations, and conditions as the corporation may require, and which shall inure to the benefit of any assigns of the corporation and of the holder of any notes, without the necessity of any notarial transfer.
B. The bond and the mortgages shall be recorded in the recorder's office of the parish in which the mortgaged property is located, in the mortgage records; and during the term and existence of any of the loans, of which payment has been guaranteed by bond, and until each such guaranteed loan and all notes issued in connection therewith have been paid in full, the bond and mortgages shall remain in full force and effect.
Acts 1991, No. 539, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:211. Other claims subordinated to bonds and mortgages guaranteeing loans

RS 3:211 - Other claims subordinated to bonds and mortgages guaranteeing loans
The bond, mortgages, and security interests provided for in R.S. 3:210 have priority for the full amount of the bond with interest, attorney's fees, and costs over all encumbrances created, recorded, claimed, or which arise in any manner subsequent to the recordation of the bond and mortgage, excepting only subsequently perfected purchase money security interests on livestock, work animals, agricultural implements, and other property purchased as provided in R.S. 3:207(1). When property is sold, the proceeds shall be applied first to the payment of all legal charges and expenses incidental to the sale; thereafter to the payment of all outstanding notes issued in connection with any loan thus guaranteed, for the full amount with interest, attorney's fees, and costs; and thereafter the proceeds remaining shall be paid to the corporation in full satisfaction of all advances made and remaining unpaid, with interest, attorney's fees, and costs. All such payments shall be made before any payments from the fund to any holder or owner of any encumbrance created, recorded, or arising subsequent to recordation of such bond and mortgage, excepting perfected purchase money security interests.
Acts 1991, No. 539, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:212. Bond of officers handling money

RS 3:212 - Bond of officers handling money
The secretary or treasurer, and all other officers who have charge of moneys and securities of such corporations, shall, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, give such bond for the faithful performance of their duties, as is required and approved by the board of directors. The bond of the treasurer shall not be less than ten thousand dollars.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:214. Construction of conflicting laws

RS 3:214 - Construction of conflicting laws
Provisions of law, which are in conflict with this Chapter shall be construed as not applying to any corporation created hereunder nor to the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities granted herein to corporations nor to the manner in which the corporations are authorized to make and secure loans.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:216. Recording, publishing, and filing charter

RS 3:216 - Recording, publishing, and filing charter
The charter of each corporation, when executed, shall be recorded in the recorder's office of the parish of its domicile, and a certified copy thereof with certificate of its registry shall be published for a period of thirty days in a daily, or for six consecutive issues in a weekly, newspaper published in the parish, and be deposited for registry with the secretary of state, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall be paid as his fees for filing and registering thirty-five dollars.
Acts 1989, No. 70, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:262. Legislative findings

RS 3:262 - Legislative findings
A. The legislature hereby finds and declares that there exists in the state of Louisiana a serious shortage of capital and credit available for investment in agriculture, for domestic and export purposes, at interest rates within the financial means of persons engaged in agricultural production and agricultural exports. In conjunction with the financial problems associated with the agricultural industry there exists a need to provide economic assistance to those individuals who wish to convert their farming operation to the development of aquacultural products of a seafood nature for domestic and export purposes. In addition, there exists a need to provide economic assistance to persons who wish to engage in mariculture projects. This shortage of available capital and credit is severe throughout the state, has persisted for a number of years, and constitutes a grave threat to the agricultural industry and to the health, welfare, safety, and prosperity of all residents of the state.
B. The legislature hereby finds and declares further that private enterprise and existing federal and state governmental programs have not adequately alleviated the severe shortage of capital and credit available at affordable interest rates for investment in agriculture or in the conversion to aquaculture or for investment in mariculture projects.
C. The legislature hereby finds and declares that it is a matter of grave public necessity that the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority be created and empowered to alleviate the severe shortage of capital and credit available at affordable interest rates for investment in agriculture, including buildings and related facilities used by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to promote and assist agriculture and forestry within this state, and for the export of agricultural products, commodities, and services, and for capital investment in converting to aquacultural farming, and for capital investment in mariculture projects by providing such capital and credit at interest rates within the financial means of persons and businesses engaged in agriculture and agricultural exports.
D. The legislature hereby finds that in order to convert Louisiana from an exporter of raw agricultural products into an exporter of processed products of high added value and to expand the state's economic base, it is necessary that the state encourage and support the development of agricultural plants to process products in this state. It is necessary for the state to develop and enhance its capacity to process agricultural products in Louisiana including providing financial assistance to any person who owns, leases, or operates, or is seeking to own, lease, or operate an agricultural plant in this state.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983. Acts 1987, No. 502, §1; Acts 1987, No. 856, §1, eff. July 20, 1987; Acts 2003, No. 230, §1, eff. June 5, 2003; Acts 2009, No. 510, §1, eff. July 10, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:265. Officers and employees; administration of Chapter

RS 3:265 - Officers and employees; administration of Chapter
A. The members of the Authority shall annually elect a chairman, a vice chairman, and such officers as they may deem advisable. All officers shall be members of the Authority.
B. The Authority, subject to the approval of the commissioner, may appoint a director and an assistant director and a director of the agriculture loan program and an assistant director of the agriculture loan program who shall be in the unclassified service of the state.
C. The commissioner shall administer and enforce this Chapter in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Authority. The commissioner may employ such personnel as may be necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this Chapter. All employees shall be under the supervision of the commissioner.
D. The Authority may employ legal, financial and technical experts and consultants as it deems necessary on a contractual basis.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983; Acts 2009, No. 510, §1, eff. July 10, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:267. Purchases and sales of agricultural loans

RS 3:267 - Purchases and sales of agricultural loans
The Authority may purchase or contract to purchase and sell or contract to sell agricultural loans made by lending institutions, at such prices and upon such terms and conditions as it shall determine in accordance with rules or regulations adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950 et seq.). All lending institutions are hereby authorized to purchase and sell agricultural loans to the Authority in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations of the Authority. To the extent that any provisions of this Section may be inconsistent with any provision of law governing lending institutions, the provisions of this Section shall control.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:268. Loans to and deposits with lending institutions

RS 3:268 - Loans to and deposits with lending institutions
The Authority may make, or contract to make, loans to and deposits with lending institutions at such interest rates, terms and conditions as it shall determine in accordance with rules or regulations adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950 et seq.). All lending institutions are hereby authorized to borrow funds and accept deposits from the Authority in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations of the Authority. The Authority shall require that all proceeds of its loans to or deposits with lending institutions, or an equivalent amount, shall be used by such lending institutions to make agricultural loans, subject to such terms and conditions as the Authority may prescribe. To the extent that any provisions of this Section may be inconsistent with any provision of the law governing lending institutions, the provisions of this Section shall control.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:269. Insurance of agricultural loans

RS 3:269 - Insurance of agricultural loans
A. The Authority is hereby authorized to insure and reinsure agricultural loans made by lending institutions, subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, collateral and security provisions, and reserve requirements as shall be determined by the Authority in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Authority pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950 et seq.).
B. Unless otherwise determined by the Authority, insurance of agricultural loans shall be in the amount of one hundred percent of the unpaid principal and interest on each loan.
C. An insured agricultural loan shall be in default when the holder of such loan makes application to the Authority for payment of insurance on such loan stating that such loan is in default in accordance with the terms of any agreement with respect to such insurance executed pursuant to this Section.
D. The Authority may enter into agreements with any person, lending institution, or holder of an insured agricultural loan upon such terms as may be agreed upon between the Authority and such person, lending institution, or holder, to provide for the administration, applications therefor, repayment thereof, and to establish the conditions for payment of insurance by the Authority, and the servicing, suit upon, or foreclosure of insured agricultural loans.
E. The aggregate value of all agricultural loans insured by the Authority and outstanding at any one time shall not exceed twenty times the total value of funds, investments, properties, and other assets of the Authority except that this insurance may be further expanded by use of federal, state, or private loan insurance, reinsurance, or guarantees of which the Authority is or shall become the beneficiary.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:271. Statutory pledge

RS 3:271 - Statutory pledge
Any pledge made by the Authority shall be valid and binding from time to time when the pledge is made. The money, assets, or revenues of the Authority so pledged and thereafter received by the Authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the Authority, irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded or filed in order to establish and perfect a lien or security interest in the property so pledged by the Authority.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:272. Refunding bonds

RS 3:272 - Refunding bonds
Subject to the rights of the holders of the bonds of the Authority, the Authority is hereby authorized and empowered to issue from time to time its bonds for the purpose of refunding any bonds of the Authority then outstanding, together with the payment of any redemption premiums thereon and interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of such outstanding bonds. All such refunding bonds of the Authority shall be issued, sold, or exchanged, and delivered, shall be secured, and shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as any other bonds issued by the Authority pursuant to this Chapter, unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Authority. Refunding bonds issued by the Authority as herein provided may be sold or exchanged for outstanding bonds of the Authority and, if sold, the proceeds thereof may be applied, in addition to any other authorized purposes, to the purchase, redemption, or payment of such outstanding bonds.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:273. Purchase of bonds by Authority

RS 3:273 - Purchase of bonds by Authority
Subject to the rights of holders of bonds, the Authority shall have the power out of any funds available therefor, to purchase bonds of the Authority, which shall thereupon be cancelled, at a price not exceeding:
(1) If the bonds are then subject to optional redemption, the optional redemption price then applicable plus accrued interest to the next interest payment date thereon; or
(2) If the bonds are not then subject to optional redemption, the optional redemption price applicable on the first date after such purchase upon which the notes or bonds become subject to optional redemption plus accrued interest to such date.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:274. Approval of issuance of bonds by State Bond Commission

RS 3:274 - Approval of issuance of bonds by State Bond Commission
The approval of the State Bond Commission shall be obtained prior to the issuance of any bonds of the Authority. However, before the Authority shall make application to the State Bond Commission for the issuance of any bonds in the amount of five million dollars or more, it shall first seek the approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for such borrowing. No notice to, or consent or approval by any other governmental body or public officer shall be required as a prerequisite to the issuance, sale, or delivery of any bonds of the Authority, or to the making of any loans or deposits by the Authority to lending institutions, or to the purchase or sale of agricultural loans by the Authority, or to the insurance by the Authority of any agricultural loan, or to the exercise of any other public function or corporate power of the Authority, except as is expressly provided in this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983; Acts 2009, No. 510, §1, eff. July 10, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:275. Exemption from taxes

RS 3:275 - Exemption from taxes
It is hereby determined that the creation of the Authority and the carrying out of its public functions and corporate purposes is, in all respects, a public and governmental purpose for the benefit of the people of the state, and for the improvement of their health, safety, welfare, prosperity, and security, and that said functions and purposes are public purposes and that the Authority will be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this Chapter. The money, assets, revenues, and operations of the Authority shall be exempt from all taxation by the state or any of its political subdivisions. The Authority shall not be required to pay any recording fee or transfer tax of any kind on account of instruments recorded by it or on its behalf. All bonds authorized to be issued by the Authority pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, together with interest thereon, income therefrom, and gain upon the sale thereof shall be exempt from all state and local taxes.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:276. Covenant of state

RS 3:276 - Covenant of state
In consideration of the acceptance of and payment for the bonds of the Authority by the holders thereof, the state does hereby pledge to and agree with the holders of any bonds of the Authority issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, that the state will not impair, limit, or alter the rights hereby vested in the Authority to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the holders of the bonds of the Authority, or in any way impair the rights or remedies of such holders thereof, until such bonds, together with the interest thereon, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceedings by or on behalf of such holders, are fully met and discharged. The Authority is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of bonds of the Authority.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:277. Trust funds

RS 3:277 - Trust funds
Subject to the exceptions contained in Article VII, Section 9 of the Constitution of Louisiana, all funds received by the authority shall be deposited immediately upon receipt in the state treasury and shall be credited to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund. After a sufficient amount is allocated from the fund to pay all obligations secured by the full faith and credit of the state which become due and payable within any fiscal year, the state treasurer, prior to placing the remaining funds in the state general fund, shall pay an amount equal to the total amount of funds paid into the state treasury by the authority into a special fund which is hereby created in the state treasury and designated as the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority Fund. The monies in the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority Fund shall be used solely for the programs and purposes of the authority and only in the amount appropriated each year to the authority by the legislature. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund. The monies in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund. All interest earned from the investment of the monies in the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority Fund shall be deposited in that fund.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983; Acts 1985, No. 68, §1
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:278. Bonds as legal investment and security for public deposits

RS 3:278 - Bonds as legal investment and security for public deposits
The state and all public officers, any parish, municipality, or other subdivision or instrumentality of the state, any bank, banker, trust company, savings bank and institution, building and loan association, savings and loan association, investment company or any person carrying on a banking or investment business, any insurance company or business, insurance associations, and any person carrying on an insurance business, and any executor, administrator, curator, trustee, and other fiduciary, and retirement system or pension fund may legally invest any sinking funds, monies or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds issued by the Authority pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, and such bonds shall be authorized security for all public deposits. It is the purpose of this Section to authorize such persons, firms, corporations, associations, political subdivisions and officers, or other entities, public or private, to use any funds owned or controlled by them, including, but not limited to, sinking, insurance, investment, retirement, compensation, pension and trust funds, and funds held on deposit for the purchase of any such bonds of the Authority, and that any such bonds shall be authorized security for all public deposits. However, nothing contained in this Section with regard to legal investments or security for public deposits shall be construed as relieving any such person, firm, or corporation or other entity from any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:279. Account and audits

RS 3:279 - Account and audits
A. Subject to the provisions of any contract with the holders of its bonds, the Authority shall establish a system of accounts.
B. The Authority shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor. The Authority may cause an independent audit to be prepared annually. Any such independent audit shall be subject to the authority of the legislative auditor to prescribe and approve the terms and conditions of such audit as provided in R.S. 24:513.
C. Within six months after the end of each fiscal year, the Authority shall submit to the governor and to both houses of the legislature an annual report on the operations of the Authority. Within sixty days after receipt thereof, the Authority shall submit to the governor and to both houses of the legislature a copy of the report of every audit of the books and accounts of the Authority.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:281. Suits to determine validity of bonds

RS 3:281 - Suits to determine validity of bonds
Any suit to determine the validity of bonds of the Authority shall be brought only in accordance with R.S. 13:5121 et seq.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:283. Termination of the Authority

RS 3:283 - Termination of the Authority
In the event of the termination of the Authority, all of its rights, money, assets, and revenues in excess of its obligations shall be deposited in the state general fund.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 96, §1, eff. July 23, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:283.1. Transfer; State Market Commission

RS 3:283.1 - Transfer; State Market Commission
A. All employees of the office of marketing and agro-economic development are transferred to the office of management and finance.
B. All funds appropriated to the State Market Commission shall be transferred to the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority.
C. Any appropriation for Fiscal Year 2009 - 2010 to the office of marketing and agro-economic development shall be deemed to be appropriated to the office of management and finance within the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
D. All property and facilities owned and operated by, leased by or for the State Market Commission are transferred to the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority.
E. All unfinished business of the State Market Commission shall be completed by, all references in laws and refer to, and all obligations of that office shall be administered by the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority. All legal proceedings of the State Market Commission shall be continued in the name of the State Market Commission and further proceedings shall be in the name of Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority without the necessity for amendment of any document.
Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:291. Legislative findings and purpose

RS 3:291 - Legislative findings and purpose
Louisiana residents rely on Louisiana farmers and agricultural processors as their primary source of safe, nutritional, and affordable food. Furthermore, agriculture and aquaculture industries are a major source of employment for Louisiana residents. The financial survival of these industries in Louisiana is dependent on increasing markets for Louisiana products. For this reason, the legislature finds it necessary to encourage and promote markets in Louisiana for the sale of Louisiana agricultural and aquacultural products.
Acts 2004, No. 271, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:292. Definitions

RS 3:292 - Definitions
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) "Agriculture" means the commercial production, storage, processing, marketing, or distribution of any agronomic, floricultural, horticultural, vitacultural, silvicultural, or aquacultural crop, including but not limited to farm products, livestock and livestock products, poultry and poultry products, milk and dairy products, fruit and other horticultural products, and seafood and aquacultural products.
(2) "Aquaculture" means the producing, raising, managing, harvesting, or marketing of aquatic livestock under controlled circumstances.
(3) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
(4) "Louisiana agricultural firm" means a legal entity that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Is engaged in the business of agriculture or aquaculture.
(b) Is qualified to do business in Louisiana.
(c) Has a physical presence in Louisiana by owning or leasing property or facilities which are located in Louisiana.
(d) Employs Louisiana residents who operate the farm business, company, corporation, or limited liability corporation.
(e) Produces, processes, or manufactures agricultural or aquacultural products in Louisiana.
(5) "Louisiana agricultural markets" means any entity in the state of Louisiana, public or private, which in the normal scope of business purchases Louisiana agricultural or aquacultural products.
Acts 2004, No. 271, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:293. Prohibition upon limitation of agricultural and aquacultural markets

RS 3:293 - Prohibition upon limitation of agricultural and aquacultural markets
A. The state may not limit the ability of Louisiana agricultural firms to bid or do business in Louisiana by restricting Louisiana agricultural markets including but not limited to those markets subject to Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
B. Nothing in this Chapter is intended to limit the ability of the department to regulate agriculture and aquaculture as is otherwise provided in this Title.
Acts 2004, No. 271, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:301. Support for programs of Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service

RS 3:301 - Support for programs of Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
As a cooperative endeavor with the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, the governing body of any local government subdivision may provide financial and other support for the programs of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service which benefit that local government subdivision under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and the local government subdivision. Financial support for the cooperative endeavor may be appropriated from the general funds of the local government subdivision or may be provided for by an increase in the ad valorem taxes for such specific purpose in accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Part II, of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974.
Amended by Acts 1975, No. 242, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:302. Farmers' institute conductor

RS 3:302 - Farmers' institute conductor
The commissioner of agriculture and forestry may appoint a farmers' institute conductor, who shall devote his time exclusively to the work, as the commissioner may direct.
Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:303. Holding institutes; lecturers

RS 3:303 - Holding institutes; lecturers
Farmers' institutes shall be held yearly at such time and at such places as the commissioner of agriculture and forestry may direct. The commissioner shall make rules and regulations for organizing and conducting the institutes, and may call on the president of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College to furnish one or more lecturers from the faculty or student body, whose traveling expenses shall be paid going to or returning from the institute work. The commissioner may also employ lecturers, male or female, at nominal salaries and traveling expenses while so employed, to perform duties in connection with institute work. The course of instruction at institutes shall be so arranged as to present to those in attendance the results of the most recent investigations in practical and scientific agriculture.
Acts 2009, No. 24, §1, eff. June 12, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:304. Master farmer certification

RS 3:304 - Master farmer certification
A. The commissioner of agriculture and forestry may certify individuals as master farmers in accordance with this Section. Each individual must successfully complete a master farmer certification program and have implemented an individual comprehensive soil and water conservation plan that meets the standards and specifications of the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation Service, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and the affected soil and water conservation district.
B. The commissioner may adopt rules and regulations setting out the requirements for obtaining a certification. The curriculum shall be established by the Louisiana State University AgCenter. The Louisiana State University AgCenter may consult with other agencies and organizations as needed, including but not limited to the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, Louisiana Farm Bureau, the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The curriculum shall include but is not limited to the instruction on environmental issues in agriculture, nonpoint source pollution, best management and conservation practices, soil and water quality monitoring demonstrations, and development and implementation of an individual comprehensive soil and water conservation plan.
C. Any individual who has received a master farmer certification shall be presumed to be in compliance with state soil and water quality requirements as long as certification is maintained. The master farmer certification shall continue as long as the individual actively maintains his specific comprehensive conservation plan in accordance with best management practices.
Acts 2003, No. 145, §1; Acts 2008, No. 920, §1, eff. July 14, 2008; Acts 2023, No. 150, §1, eff. Jan. 10, 2024.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:313. Definitions

RS 3:313 - Definitions
When used in this Chapter:
(1) "Applicant" means any local governing authority requesting a loan from or completing an application form to apply for a loan under the Rural Development Loan Program.
(2) "Director" means the chief administrative officer of the state office of rural development.
(3) "Federal agency" means any department, office, council, or agency of the federal government, or any public benefit corporation or authority authorized by federal statute.
(4) "Local agency" means any political subdivision, or office or department thereof, or not-for-profit organization created for the purposes of enhancing the quality of life and revitalization of rural areas.
(5) "Municipality" means any incorporated city, town, or village.
(6) "Office" means the state office of rural development created by this Chapter.
(7) "Political subdivision" means a parish, municipality, and any other unit of local government, including a school board and a special district, authorized by law to perform governmental functions.
(8) "Regional planning commission districts" means the eight regional planning commissions created pursuant to Subparts C and F of Part IV of Chapter 1 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
(9) "Rural areas" means parishes within the state having less than one hundred thousand population, or municipalities within the state having less than thirty-five thousand population, and the unincorporated areas of a parish with a population of over one hundred thousand.
(10) "Rural development and revitalization" means those policies, programs, laws, regulations, or other matters having to do with rural areas, including but not limited to economic development, employment, local government services and management, business, agriculture, environment, land use and natural resources, human services and community life, health care, education, transportation, community facilities, housing, broadband connectivity, water quality, and sewer treatment.
(11) "State agency" means any department, office, council, or agency of the state, or any public benefit corporation or authority authorized by the laws of the state.
Acts 1990, No. 216, §1; Acts 1991, No. 396, §2; Acts 1991, No. 449, §1; Acts 1997, No. 637, §1; Acts 2021, No. 331, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:314. State office of rural development

RS 3:314 - State office of rural development
A. There is hereby created within the office of the governor an office of rural development. The head of the office shall be the director of rural development who shall be appointed by the governor to serve at his pleasure. The appointment shall be subject to Senate confirmation.
B. The director shall employ necessary staff to carry out the duties and functions of the office as otherwise provided in this Chapter, or as otherwise provided by law. As part of the necessary staff, the director shall employ one regional director in each of the eight regional planning commission districts of the state. Each applicant for the position of regional director shall reside in the district in which he seeks employment as a regional director. Any person hired as a regional director shall remain a resident of the district in which he is employed throughout the entirety of his employment. Regional directors shall serve under the supervision of the director and assist with the functions and duties assigned by the director and as provided for under this Chapter.
C. The director shall prepare and submit to the governor and the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development annually, on March first of each year, a comprehensive report concerning the assistance activities undertaken by the office, recommendations for legislative proposals, data concerning program activities in rural areas, and other pertinent information which will indicate the activities conducted by the office in the previous year.
D. The governor shall direct that all state agencies provide the director with assistance in advancing the purpose of the office and to assure that the activities of the office are fully coordinated with the activities of state agencies providing related services.
Acts 1990, No. 216, §1; Acts 1991, No. 396, §2; Acts 1991, No. 449, §1; Acts 2003, No. 116, §1, eff. May 28, 2003; Acts 2021, No. 331, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:316. Functions, powers, and duties of other departments and state agencies

RS 3:316 - Functions, powers, and duties of other departments and state agencies
Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be deemed to derogate or detract in any way from the functions, powers, or duties prescribed by law of any other department of the state or to interrupt or preclude the direct relationship of any such department or agency with local agencies, individuals, or corporations for the carrying out of such functions, powers, or duties.
Acts 1990, No. 216, §1; Acts 1991, No. 396, §2; Acts 1991, No. 449, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:317. Comprehensive grant information

RS 3:317 - Comprehensive grant information
A. The office shall request such specific information as the director determines to be necessary concerning assistance programs and grants administered by federal, state, and local agencies, individuals, and corporations designed to enhance rural areas. Such information shall be used to advise local agencies, individuals, or corporations for the purpose of promoting coordination in program or grant efforts wherever feasible or proper.
B. Any applicant requesting program grants or assistance in order to address rural development and revitalization needs, conditions, or strengths in rural areas may, pursuant to the rules of the office, adopted under the Administrative Procedure Act, confer with the office to obtain assistance in the prompt and efficient processing and review of applications.
C. The office shall, so far as possible, render such assistance, and the director may designate an officer or employee of the office to act as an expeditor for the purpose of:
(1) Facilitating contacts for the applicant with state, federal, or local agencies, individuals, or corporations responsible for processing and reviewing grant applications.
(2) Arranging conferences to clarify the interest and requirements of any such agency, individual, or corporation with respect to grant applications.
(3) Considering with the agency, individual, or corporation the feasibility of consolidating hearings and data required of the applicant.
(4) Assisting the applicant in the resolution of outstanding issues identified by the agency, individual, or corporation, including delays experienced in application review.
(5) Coordinating federal, state, and local grant application review actions and assistance programs to the extent practicable.
D. No fees of any kind shall be charged or collected under this Chapter, except those monies that may be provided by a federal agency or the state for administrative costs.
Acts 1990, No. 216, §1; Acts 1991, No. 396, §2; Acts 1991, No. 449, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 3 - Agriculture and Forestry › §3:318. Contract authority

RS 3:318 - Contract authority
The office is hereby empowered to enter into any agreement or contract with any corporations or public agencies necessary or convenient to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.
Acts 1990, No. 216, §1; Acts 1991, No. 396, §2; Acts 1991, No. 449, §1; Acts 1997, No. 637, §1.