Heirs’ property is family land that has been passed down to descendants without a will or deed to prove ownership. Without proof of ownership, it may become difficult for heirs to obtain federal benefits for farms and could force partition sales by third parties. Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program provides access to capital to help heirs find a resolution.

USDA announced Aug. 18 that Akiptan, Inc., the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority and the Shared Capital Cooperative have been approved or conditionally approved as intermediary lenders through HPRP. Once HPRP loans with these lenders close, these lenders will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues.

Additionally, USDA encourages more intermediary lenders, including cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations to apply. Currently, more than $100 million of HPRP funding is available for these competitive loans.

“Through this opportunity, heirs can formalize land ownership and succession issues, which have long prevented so many from accessing USDA programs and services,” says Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency. “USDA is committed to revising policies to be more equitable and this program is an instrumental part of the effort to provide opportunities to bring and keep agricultural land in agriculture and allow producers nationwide to create generational wealth.”

HPRP intermediary lenders will reloan funds to eligible heirs to resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan. This may also include costs and fees associated with buying out fractional interests of other heirs in jointly owned property to clear the title, as well as closing costs, appraisals, title searches, surveys, preparing documents, mediation, and legal services.

Who is eligible?

These are loans (not grants) and will need to be paid back at interest rates set by the lenders.

Heirs may not use loans for any land improvement, development purpose, acquisition or repair of buildings, acquisition of personal property, payment of operating costs, payment of finders’ fees, or similar costs.

Who to contact

Additionally, USDA will share information on farmers.gov/heirs/relending.

FSA may be able to provide additional assistance through the farm ownership and operating loan programs to assist heirs in financing other credit needs in conjunction with an HPRP loan provided by an intermediary.

USDA is also opening a second opportunity for eligible entities interested in becoming intermediary lenders under HPRP. Loans of up to $5 million at 1% interest are available. Once the new application period is opened, eligible lenders may apply using the HPRP application form (FSA-2637) and provide the required application documentation, including a relending plan, copy of CDFI certification, financial statement for the past three years, current financial statement, documents of incorporation, and any supporting documents related to experience.

Submit these documents electronically at [email protected] or by mail to Heirs' Property Relending Program, Office of the Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs FSA, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0522 Washington, DC 20250-0522. There is currently more than $100 million available for these loans. Approved intermediary lenders will determine the rates, terms and payment structure for loans to heirs subject to USDA’s approval, with interest rates covering the cost of operating and sustaining the loan.

Intermediary lenders must:

While owners of heirs’ properties may lack proof of ownership or control of land, FSA provides alternative options that allow an heir to obtain a farm number. In states that have adopted the UPHPA, producers may provide specific documents to receive a farm number.

Source: USDA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.