[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 111 (Friday, June 10, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33798-33803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11505]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR Part 1421

RIN 0560-AH20


Designated Marketing Associations for Peanuts

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule sets out regulations governing the use of designated 
marketing associations in connection with the making of marketing 
assistance loans for peanuts and the making of loan deficiency payments 
in lieu of such loans. These regulations reflect current procedures 
under broader regulations that precede this rule and specify when 
storage credit begins for loans handled by designated marketing 
associations.

DATES: Effective June 10, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Kyer, Program Manager, Price 
Support Division, FSA/USDA, STOP 0512, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0512; telephone (202) 720-7935; facsimile (202) 
690-3307; e-mail: [email protected]. Persons with disabilities 
who require alternative means of communication (Braille, large print, 
audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-
2600 (voice and TDD).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This rule sets out regulations governing the use of ``designated 
marketing associations'' (DMA's) by peanut producers in connection with 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Public Law 107-171, 
(``2002 Act''), in the making of marketing assistance loans (MAL's) and 
loan deficiency payments (LDP's) in lieu of MAL's. Section 1307(a)(4) 
of the 2002 Act provided for peanuts that such loans and LDP's could be 
obtained through a DMA or a marketing cooperative of producers approved 
by the Secretary, or the Farm Service Agency of the Department. 
Regulations governing such loans and LDP's are codified in 7 CFR Part 
1421 and include DMA provisions. Rules relating to the use of 
cooperative marketing associations (CMA's) are found at 7 CFR Part 
1425. This rule adds greater specificity to part 1421's DMA provisions 
consistent with current procedures and reorganizes part 1421 by 
designating a separate subpart for the DMA provisions. Also, the rule 
specifies when storage credit may begin for DMA-handled loans. Also, 
Sec.  1421.115 is renumbered as 1421.114 to reflect that the latter 
number was not being used. Further, the authority citation for Part 
1421 is updated.

Notice and Comment

    Section 1601(c) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (2002 Act) provides that the administration of Title I of the 2002 
Act shall be made without regard to the notice and comment provisions 
of 5 U.S.C. 553 or the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of 
Agriculture effective July 24, 1971, (36 FR 13804) relating to notices 
of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking. 
Likewise, Section 1601 of the 2002 Act provides that in carrying out 
the provisions exempting the administration of the program from notice 
and comment, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under 5 
U.S.C. section 808 of Title 5, United States Code. Under the latter 
provisions, certain rules are exempted from possible Congressional 
review before implementation where it is determined that going without 
notice and public procedures are in the public interest. Such is the 
case here, in light of the explicit provisions of Section 1601. In 
addition, this rule simply sets out procedures for voluntary 
participation by non-producers related to an ongoing program and the 
new regulations reflect current policy. For those reasons as well, 
delay in implementation would be contrary to the public interest. 
Accordingly, this rule is made effective on publication.

Executive Order 12866

    This rule has been designated as ``Not Significant'' under 
Executive Order 12866, and has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget.

Federal Assistance Programs

    The title and number of the Federal assistance program in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance to which this final rule applies 
is 10.051--Commodity Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act is not applicable to this rule 
because the Office of the Secretary, FSA and CCC are not required by 5 
U.S.C. 553 or any other law to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking 
for the subject matter of this rule.

Environmental Assessment

    The environmental impacts of this rule have been considered 
consistent

[[Page 33799]]

with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq., the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality 
(40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and regulations of the Farm Service Agency 
(FSA) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding compliance with 
NEPA, 7 CFR part 799. An environmental evaluation was completed and the 
action has been determined not to have the potential to significantly 
impact the quality of the human environment and no environmental 
assessment or environmental impact statement is necessary. A copy of 
the environmental evaluation is available for inspection and review 
upon request.

Executive Order 12778

    The final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778. This 
rule preempts State laws that are inconsistent with its provisions. 
This rule is not retroactive. Before any judicial action may be brought 
regarding this rule, all administrative remedies must be exhausted.

Executive Order 12372

    This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, which 
requires consultation with State and local officials. See the notice 
related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, published at 48 FR 29115 (June 
24, 1983).

Unfunded Mandates

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) does 
not apply to this rule because the Office of the Secretary, FSA and CCC 
are not required by 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law to publish a notice 
of proposed rulemaking about the subject matter of this rule. Further, 
this rule imposes no unfunded mandates, as defined in UMRA, on any 
local, State, or tribal government or the private sector.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Section 1601(c) of the 2002 Act provides that the promulgation of 
regulations and the administration of Title I of the 2002 Act shall be 
made without regard to chapter 5 of title 44 of the United States Code 
(the Paperwork Reduction Act). Accordingly, these regulations and the 
forms, and other information collection activities needed to administer 
the program authorized by these regulations, are not subject to review 
by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act.

Government Paperwork Elimination Act

    FSA is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act (GPEA) and the Freedom to E-File Act, which require 
Government agencies in general, and FSA in particular, to provide the 
public the option of submitting information or transacting business 
electronically to the maximum extent possible. The forms and other 
information collection activities required for participation in the 
program are not yet fully implemented for the public to conduct 
business with FSA electronically. Currently, however, loan application 
forms are available electronically through the USDA eForms Web site for 
downloading. Applications from producers may be submitted to current 
DMA, by mail or by FAX if appropriate FAX authorization forms are on 
file. At this time, electronic submission of forms is also available 
and producers, or DMA's acting on their behalf, may also file for e-
LDP's on line.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1421

    Loan programs--agriculture, Peanuts.

0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 7 CFR part 1421 is amended as 
set forth below.

PART 1421--GRAINS AND SIMILARLY HANDLED COMMODITIES--MARKETING 
ASSISTANCE LOANS AND LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR THE 2002 THROUGH 
2007 CROP YEARS

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1421 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7931 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 714b, 714c.


0
2. In Sec.  1421.3, the definition of ``Designated marketing 
association'' is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  1421.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Designated Marketing Association (DMA) means an entity, or a 
subsidiary thereof, that performs marketing functions for peanut 
producers and is designated to handle marketing assistance loans and 
loan deficiency payments for them. A DMA is eligible to perform those 
functions only if the DMA meets the eligibility criteria set out 
elsewhere in this part.
* * * * *


Sec.  1421.115  [Redesignated]

0
3. Section 1421.115 is redesignated as Sec.  1421.114.

Subpart E--[Redesignated]

0
4. Redesignate subpart E, Sec. Sec.  1421.5551 through 1421.5559, as 
subpart F and add a new subpart E as follows:

Subpart E--Designated Marketing Associations for Peanuts

Sec.
1421.400 Applicability and abbreviations.
1421.401 Definitions.
1421.402 DMA responsibilities.
1421.403 DMA eligibility to process loans and loan deficiency 
payments.
1421.404 DMA approval.
1421.405 Financial security.
1421.406 Liability.
1421.407 Reporting requirements.
1421.408 Suspension and termination.
1421.409 Prohibited activity.
1421.410 Monitoring payment limitations.
1421.411 Recordkeeping requirements.
1421.412 Forms.
1421.413 Powers of attorney.
1421.414 Liens and waivers.
1421.415 Producer request to a DMA for an MAL or LDP.
1421.416 Processing marketing assistance loans.
1421.417 Processing loan deficiency payments.
1421.418 Disbursing MAL and LDP proceeds.
1421.419 Date storage credit begins on DMA-handled loans.
1421.420 Submitting MAL and LDP documentation to FSA.
1421.421 MAL or LDP servicing.
1421.422 Inspections and reviews.
1421.423 Appeals.


Sec.  1421.400  Applicability and abbreviations.

    (a) This subpart sets forth the terms and conditions under which an 
entity which is a marketing association of peanut producers, or a 
subsidiary of such an entity, may qualify to become an eligible 
``designated marketing association'' or ``DMA'' qualified to process 
peanut marketing assistance loans and peanut loan deficiency payments 
for peanut producers. This subpart only applies with respect to peanut 
loans and peanut loan deficiency payments. This subpart also specifies 
when storage credit will begin with respect to peanuts under loans 
handled by designated marketing associations.
    (b) In addition to other abbreviations that may be used, the 
following abbreviations apply to this subpart:
    (1) CCC means the Commodity Credit Corporation.
    (2) CMA means cooperative marketing associations which are the 
subject of regulations in part 1425 of this chapter.
    (3) DMA means designated marketing associations.
    (4) EWR means electronic warehouse receipts.

[[Page 33800]]

    (5) FSA means the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture.
    (6) LDP means loan deficiency payments as provided for in this 
part.
    (7) MAL means marketing assistance loans as provided in this part.


Sec.  1421.401  Definitions.

    The definitions set forth in this section shall apply for purposes 
of program administration under this subpart. The terms defined in this 
part, in part 718 of this title, and in parts 1425 and 1427 of this 
chapter shall also be applicable, except where those definitions 
conflict with the definitions in this section.
    Administrative County Office is the FSA County Office where a 
producer's FSA records are maintained.
    Control or Recording FSA County Office is the FSA County Office 
that controls subsidiary files for producers designated as multi-county 
producers.
    Current net worth ratio means current assets minus current 
liabilities, divided by current liabilities, based on the financial 
statement provided in connection with a DMA application or a 
recertification for DMA status.
    DMA Service County Office is an FSA County Office designated by CCC 
to accept, process, and disburse bundled peanut MAL's and LDP's to a 
DMA. In the absence of a centralized MAL and LDP processing system for 
peanuts, a service county FSA office is necessary for entering MAL's 
and LDP's made by DMA's into CCC accounting systems.
    Drawdown account is an account titled to the DMA at a financial 
institution and funded at the discretion of CCC for the purpose of 
allowing the DMA to advance funds to producers who have applied for 
MAL's and LDP's before a subsequent MAL or LDP is made to the DMA by an 
assigned FSA county office.
    Electronic warehouse receipt or EWR means a receipt electronically 
filed in a central filing system by an approved provider as provided in 
an executed, ``Farm Service Agency Provider Agreement to Electronically 
File and Maintain Warehouse Receipts.''
    Security means a certified or cashier's check payable to CCC, an 
irrevocable commercial letter of credit in a form acceptable to CCC, a 
performance or surety bond conditioned on the DMA fully discharging all 
of its obligations under this part, or other form of security as CCC 
may deem appropriate.


Sec.  1421.402  DMA responsibilities.

    (a) DMA's are eligible to process the marketing loans and loan 
deficiency payments provided for in this part only for peanut producers 
and only if the DMA and the producers and peanuts meet all eligibility 
criteria set out in this part, including, but not limited to, the DMA 
eligibility provisions of this subpart. In carrying out those 
functions, DMA's must:
    (1) Prepare and execute the appropriate CCC peanut MAL and LDP 
application documents;
    (2) Determine whether producers and the commodity are eligible for 
MAL's and LDP's, including whether the otherwise eligible peanuts are 
free and clear of all liens which DMA's shall determine by performing 
lien searches at DMA's expense;
    (3) Instruct the holder of EWR's, if applicable, to notify the EWR 
provider to amend the EWR to show CCC is the holder;
    (4) Receive MAL and LDP documents from a DMA Service County Office;
    (5) Disburse peanut MAL's and LDP proceeds to eligible producers;
    (6) Prepare and execute documents for MAL repayments;
    (7) Collect loan repayments from producers or buyers and 
transmitting these funds to CCC;
    (8) Transmit documents to render forfeited collateral to CCC; and
    (9) Collect data for reporting to CCC as required by CCC;
    (b) As part of performing the responsibilities in paragraph (a) of 
this section, DMA's shall:
    (1) Become knowledgeable of and follow the procedures in CCC and 
FSA peanut program regulations, applicable notices published in the 
Federal Register, applicable FSA peanut program handbooks and 
amendments thereto, and any applicable notices or instructions issued 
by FSA and the Agricultural Marketing Service.
    (2) Make and service CCC peanut MAL's and LDP's, only upon the 
presenting by producers or their agents of the warehouse receipts, 
unless otherwise directed by CCC.
    (3) Attend, at the DMA's expense, DMA peanut MAL, and LDP program 
training offered by CCC.
    (4) Provide sufficient personnel, computer hardware, computer 
communications systems, and software, as determined necessary by CCC, 
to administer the peanut MAL and LDP program.


Sec.  1421.403  DMA eligibility to process loans and loan deficiency 
payments.

    (a) A DMA is eligible to process any marketing assistance loan or 
loan deficiency payments only if approved in advance to handle such 
matters by the Farm Service Agency pursuant to this part; and:
    (1) The DMA meets the financial requirements and other requirements 
in this subpart and part;
    (2) The DMA is comprised solely of peanut producers or is a 
subsidiary of an organization of peanut producers;
    (3) The DMA is not controlled directly or indirectly by a person or 
entity that acquires peanuts for processing or crushing through a 
business involved in buying and selling peanuts or peanut products;
    (4) The DMA does not take title at any time to any peanuts for 
which it processes loans or loan deficiency payments, irrespective of 
whether such title is taken before or after those activities are 
performed. If such title or interest is taken, the DMA shall be 
responsible to return to CCC the full amount of the CCC proceeds 
disbursed with respect to the peanuts; and
    (5) The DMA meets any additional requirements imposed by CCC or 
FSA.
    (b) The DMA's activities under this part shall be conducted only 
with respect to peanuts and only for producers and peanuts that meet 
all the eligibility requirements of this part. Such requirements 
include, but are not limited to, the requirement of Sec.  1421.6 that 
the producer must have the beneficial interest in the peanuts while the 
peanuts are under loan or when the loan deficiency payment is received 
and must be the only person that has had such an interest in the 
peanuts prior to that time except as allowed by Sec.  1421.6.


Sec.  1421.404  DMA approval.

    (a) Entities wishing to apply to be a DMA enabled to perform loan 
and loan deficiency functions under this part for peanuts must submit 
an application for such approval to FSA in a form approved by CCC. That 
application shall include the following:
    (1) Two originals of a properly executed Designated Marketing 
Association agreement containing the terms and conditions prescribed by 
CCC.
    (2) A financial statement of not less than 1 year old on the date 
submitted, including accompanying notes, schedules, or exhibits, 
certified by a certified public accountant as fairly representing the 
entity's financial condition.
    (3) The entity's tax identification number.
    (4) A copy of any applicable incorporating or partnership 
documents.
    (5) The applicant entity's mailing address, electronic mail 
address, and telephone number and facsimile number.
    (6) Any and all information requested by CCC regarding the DMA's 
materials,

[[Page 33801]]

and equipment as CCC determines is necessary for the applicant to 
perform the services for which the approval to perform is sought.
    (7) A narrative explaining how the proposed DMA entity or parent 
entity provides marketing services to peanut producers.
    (8) Any additional information or financial security requested by 
the Agency.
    (b) Applicants are responsible for notifying FSA when any changes 
occur to their operations requiring amendments to their application or 
supporting documents.


Sec.  1421.405  Financial security.

    In order to be approved to handle loans and loan deficiency 
payments, the DMA must:
    (a) Have a current net worth ratio of at least 1:1.
    (b) Provide security equal to $100,000 or a greater amount as 
determined by CCC.


Sec.  1421.406  Liability.

    (a) DMA's shall indemnify CCC against any claim or loss by CCC in 
connection with the processing of any MAL's or LDP's or other activity 
carried out by the DMA. If CCC pays any claim or suffers a loss as a 
result of the actions of DMA, or if a refund otherwise becomes due to 
CCC, payment in the amount of such losses or refund, plus interest, may 
be set-off by CCC from the financial security provided by DMA as 
required by this subpart. If the amount of the loss exceeds the amount 
of the financial security, such amount shall be paid to CCC by DMA with 
interest. Interest and other charges may be assessed consistent with 
Sec.  1403.9 of this chapter. Remedies provided in this section or part 
are in addition to other remedies or penalties, whether civil, criminal 
or otherwise, as may apply.
    (b) If a DMA becomes liable to CCC under paragraph (a) of this 
section or otherwise in connection with this subpart, such DMA shall 
not be eligible to process a LDP or MAL until the claim amount owed CCC 
is paid in full, and the full amount of financial security required by 
this subpart has been restored.


Sec.  1421.407  Reporting requirements.

    (a) Report of changes. A DMA shall furnish information to CCC 
within thirty calendar days relating to any substantial change in the 
DMA operations including but not limited to the following:
    (1) A change in its articles of incorporation;
    (2) A resolution affecting loan or LDP operations.
    (3) A change to the DMA's name, address, phone number, or related 
information on the DMA agreement.
    (b) Other Information. The DMA shall supply such additional 
information as CCC may request related to the DMA's continued approval 
by CCC to process loans and LDP's under the authority provided in this 
subpart.
    (c) CCC request for information. CCC may require a DMA to submit 
updated information, a new application, or a request for 
recertification whenever CCC becomes aware of any changes or has any 
reason to be uncertain that the DMA is operating in a manner that is 
consistent with the information already submitted, or consistent with 
this part.
    (d) Annual recertification. Within 4 months after the end of the 
DMA's fiscal year, a DMA must submit the following information to CCC:
    (1) A current financial statement prepared according to generally 
accepted accounting principles;
    (2) A report of audit or review of the financial statement 
conducted by an independent Certified Public Accountant. The 
accountant's report of audit or review shall include the accountant's 
certifications, assurances, opinions, comments, and notes with respect 
to such financial statements.
    (3) Additional financial security as determined by CCC, if the 
financial security on file with CCC does not meet current requirements 
or has expired.
    (4) A report of changes as required under paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (e) Activity report. DMA's shall provide CCC reports of MAL and LDP 
volume and benefit earnings made by the DMA for individual producers, 
and gains received on behalf of each peanut producer, in a format as 
directed by CCC.


Sec.  1421.408  Suspension and termination.

    (a) Suspension. If CCC determines that a DMA is not in compliance 
with the DMA agreement CCC may suspend the DMA from making peanut MAL's 
and LDP's until the DMA corrects the violation, or longer.
    (b) Termination. The DMA agreement may be terminated by the DMA 
upon 30-calendar day's written notice to CCC. CCC may cancel the 
agreement at any time. Upon termination DMA shall immediately cease 
processing MAL or LDP requests and documents except as needed to 
preserve CCC's position with respect to existing loans or LDP's.


Sec.  1421.409  Prohibited activity.

    (a) DMA's approved to handle loans under this subpart may not:
    (1) Discriminate against or deny any producer from receiving MAL's 
or LDP's because of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, 
age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or 
family status for which they would otherwise be eligible under the 
statutes regulating the MAL and LDP program.
    (2) Pool peanuts for the purpose of obtaining peanut MAL's or LDP's 
from CCC.
    (3) Pool the proceeds obtained from peanut MAL's or LDP's made by 
CCC.
    (4) Process farm-stored certified or measured MAL's or LDP's unless 
authorized by CCC.
    (5) Take title to any peanuts.
    (6) Operate the DMA under the same entity and tax identification 
number of a CCC-approved CMA.
    (7) Refuse services to producers because the DMA was not granted a 
power of attorney for purposes of executing MAL documents to obtain 
MAL's for the producer, repaying the MAL for the producer, obtaining 
LDP's for the producer, or marketing the producer's peanuts.
    (8) Adopt any scheme or device to circumvent the purpose of the 
peanuts MAL and LDP program regulations, the regulation governing 
DMA's, or the DMA's agreement with CCC.
    (9) Process MAL's or LDP's for producers involved in a bankruptcy 
proceeding unless authorized by CCC.
    (10) Process MAL's or LDP's on ineligible peanuts.
    (b) If the prohibitions of this section are violated FSA or CCC may 
take one or more of the actions authorized in this part or otherwise 
authorized.


Sec.  1421.410  Monitoring payment limitations.

    DMA's shall monitor potential gains for producers and not disburse 
proceeds or permit loan repayments in lieu of forfeitures of the 
peanuts that would produce a gain over the per person per year limit 
allowed to the producer by this part and part 1400 of this chapter or 
which would otherwise be prohibited.


Sec.  1421.411  Recordkeeping requirements.

    A DMA shall maintain producer MAL and LDP paper documents and 
electronic records for an indefinite period unless otherwise notified 
by CCC.


Sec.  1421.412  Forms.

    For purposes of conducting business related to this part, a DMA 
shall use either current CCC forms or other forms approved by CCC. A 
DMA may perform functions under this part only when approval has been 
obtained by CCC.


Sec.  1421.413  Powers of attorney.

    DMA's may hold a power of attorney from a producer allowing the DMA 
to

[[Page 33802]]

sign MAL and LDP documents for the producer, but DMA's may obtain and 
hold such powers only in accordance with the requirements of CCC 
governing such powers.


Sec.  1421.414  Liens and waivers.

    DMA's performing loan-related functions pursuant to the authority 
in this subpart shall determine, to the same extent as required for 
loans handled by FSA county offices, whether a lien on the peanuts 
exists by performing or obtaining a lien search for all peanuts to be 
pledged for each MAL, except that the cost associated with such lien 
search and any necessary lien waivers shall be borne by the DMA. If a 
lien exists, the DMA shall obtain, on an approved CCC form, a signed 
waiver from each lienholder with an interest in any such lien.


Sec.  1421.415  Producer request to a DMA for an MAL or LDP.

    Peanut producers or their authorized agent may request that an MAL 
or LDP be processed by a DMA only if the DMA is approved under this 
subpart to process such a request and only if the producer supplies to 
the DMA:
    (a) Beneficial interest information. Beneficial interest must be 
maintained by the producer according to Sec.  1421.6 for the peanuts to 
be eligible for MAL or LDP; accordingly, the producer must supply to 
the DMA such information as it needed to make that determination.
    (b) Warehouse receipts and lien information. Producers must supply 
for all peanuts either individual paper warehouse receipts in the 
producer's name or an electronic warehouse receipt (EWR) number and 
provider's name. Producers must supply relevant lien information 
regarding the peanuts; however, the producer's obligation in this 
regard does not relieve the DMA from making the appropriate lien 
search.


Sec.  1421.416  Processing marketing assistance loans.

    DMA's shall take the following actions in the following order when 
an application for an MAL is filed:
    (a) Make all the determinations that are a precondition for a loan, 
including lien determinations and if requested by the producer, enter 
into a power of attorney agreement with the producer.
    (b) If there is an EWR for the peanuts, instruct the current holder 
to notify the electronic warehouse receipt provider to amend the 
electronic warehouse receipt to show the DMA as holder. If a paper 
receipt is involved, the DMA must obtain the receipt (and later, at the 
appropriate time include the receipt in the documents delivered to the 
CCC).
    (c) Complete all MAL forms.
    (d) After the producer or the person holding the power of attorney 
for the producer signs MAL document, provide the signatory with copies 
of the documents.
    (e) Where there is an EWR for the peanuts notify the EWR provider 
to make CCC the holder of the EWR and secure an affirmation verifying 
that CCC has been made the holder of the EWR.


Sec.  1421.417  Processing loan deficiency payments.

    (a) DMA's shall take the following actions in the following order 
when an application for an LDP is filed:
    (1) In addition to other determinations as must be made, the DMA 
shall determined whether the producer has sufficient remaining 
eligibility under the applicable payment limit to allow the receipt of 
the LDP. If there is not sufficient eligibility, the DMA must refuse to 
process the request;
    (2) If EWR's are applicable for the peanuts for which the LDP is 
sought, the DMA must instruct the current holder to notify the EWR 
provider to amend the EWR to show that the peanuts were used to obtain 
an LDP;
    (3) The DMA must insure that the producer or the person holding the 
power of attorney for the producer signs the LDP documents; and
    (4) If the peanuts and the producer are eligible for the loan and 
all other conditions have been met, the DMA may disburse funds to the 
producer subject to the time limits set out elsewhere in this part.
    (b) The LDP rate applicable to the LDP request will be the rate in 
effect on the date the DMA receives the request except as may otherwise 
be provided for in this part.


Sec.  1421.418  Disbursing MAL and LDP proceeds.

    (a) A DMA may request that CCC establish a drawdown account from 
which to disburse MAL and LDP amounts to producers, and designate the 
financial institution they wish to use.
    (b) CCC will determine whether a drawdown account is justified and 
the amount of the account.
    (c) If there is no drawdown account, MAL and LDP proceeds shall be 
distributed to the producer within 3 work days from the date the DMA 
receives MAL or LDP proceeds from CCC, after deduction of authorized 
charges or fees for services. If there is a drawdown account, the MAL 
and LDP proceeds shall be distributed to the producer within 3 days of 
the completion of the application.
    (d) The DMA shall assess charges and fees at the same rate for each 
producer that it serves.
    (e) If a drawdown account is used, CCC shall replenish the amount 
as necessary as it is drawn down.
    (f) The DMA must notify CCC of the actual date on which the MAL is 
disbursed.


Sec.  1421.419  Date storage credit begins on DMA-handled loans.

    Storage credit in favor of a producer with respect to peanuts on a 
DMA-handled loan will begin on the date on which DMA disburses the MAL 
to the producer and not before.


Sec.  1421.420  Submitting MAL and LDP documentation to FSA.

    (a) Until such time as an alternative FSA loan or LDP making system 
is made available to DMA's, within 3 business days of any DMA prepared 
disbursement, the DMA shall group separately and submit to FSA:
    (1) MAL's with the same disbursement date, peanut type, warehouse 
code, and State where peanuts were inspected; and
    (2) LDP's with the same LDP rate, approval date, and peanut type.
    (b) Each of the groups identified in paragraph (a) of this section 
shall be submitted to FSA with the following documents:
    (1) Individual paper warehouse receipts or EWR numbers, and the EWR 
provider's name representing the bundled MAL's or LDP's.
    (2) A form to itemize receipts, and other data, as required, or a 
pre-processed electronic file containing data required by FSA.
    (c) FSA may process each DMA prepared MAL or LDP group for the 
volume of peanuts on multiple receipts as one MAL or LDP, waive the 
service fee to the DMA, and either hold MAL paper warehouse receipts, 
or verify that CCC is holder of the EWR's as of the date of 
disbursement.
    (d) In the case of an MAL, if CCC was not the holder of the EWR on 
or before the date the DMA prepared MAL was disbursed, the applicable 
receipts shall be rejected, and funds shall not be distributed to the 
DMA drawdown account until CCC becomes the holder of the EWR.
    (e) If MAL and LDP documentation is acceptable, FSA will disburse 
MAL or LDP funds to the DMA, with appropriate supporting documentation.


Sec.  1421.421  MAL or LDP servicing.

    (a) The DMA shall be responsible for servicing MAL's and are 
required to take the following actions:

[[Page 33803]]

    (1) Send the producer a maturity notice letter before MAL maturity.
    (2) Maintain the MAL or LDP documents according to FSA 
requirements.
    (3) Transmit the necessary funds to repay the MAL to FSA.
    (b) FSA shall process the CCC release of paper receipts or EWR's 
where such a release is appropriate.


Sec.  1421.422  Inspections and reviews.

    The books, documents, papers, and records of the DMA and parent 
company shall be maintained for six years after the applicable crop 
year and shall be made available to CCC for inspection and examination 
at all reasonable times. At any time after an application is received, 
CCC shall have the right to examine all books, documents, papers, and 
determine whether the DMA is operating or has operated in accordance 
with the regulations in this part, any articles of incorporation, 
articles of association, partnership documents, agreements with 
producers, the representations made by the DMA in its application for 
approval, and, where applicable, its agreements with CCC. If the DMA is 
determined to be not complying with this part or any of its agreements, 
CCC will take appropriate action as provided in elsewhere in this 
subpart or other action CCC determines appropriate.


Sec.  1421.423  Appeals.

    Parts 11 and 780 of this title apply to this subpart.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on May 25, 2005.
James R. Little,
Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 05-11505 Filed 6-9-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P