(Temporary)
(1) The council shall:
(a) establish policies and priorities to enhance the future development of agriculture in Montana, including the Indian reservations in the state;
(b) make loans or grants, pursuant to the provisions of Title 90, chapter 9, part 3, that have a short-term or long-term ability to stimulate agriculture development and diversification in rural, urban, and tribal settings in Montana;
(c) provide loan repayment assistance for farmers pursuant to Title 90, chapter 9, part 5;
(d) consult with the cooperative extension service to administer the Montana farmer loan repayment assistance program as required by 90-9-501;
(e) accept grants or receive devises of money or property for use in making the loans or grants and providing the loan repayment assistance authorized by this chapter; and
(f) distribute food and agricultural development center funding pursuant to Title 80, chapter 11, part 9, subject to biannual review.
(2) The council may:
(a) defer or forgive any loan in whole or in part; and
(b) forgive any accrued interest in whole or in part. (Terminates June 30, 2029--sec. 16, Ch. 439, L. 2019.)
(Effective July 1, 2029)
(1) The council shall:
(a) establish policies and priorities to enhance the future development of agriculture in Montana, including the Indian reservations in the state;
(b) make loans or grants, pursuant to the provisions of Title 90, chapter 9, part 3, that have a short-term or long-term ability to stimulate agriculture development and diversification in rural, urban, and tribal settings in Montana;
(c) accept grants or receive devises of money or property for use in making the loans or grants authorized by this chapter; and
(d) distribute food and agricultural development center funding pursuant to Title 80, chapter 11, part 9, subject to biannual review.
(2) The council may:
(a) defer or forgive any loan in whole or in part; and
(b) forgive any accrued interest in whole or in part.