Beginning Farmer Board; created; duties

For the purpose of developing and directing programs to provide increased and enhanced opportunities for beginning farmers and livestock producers, the Beginning Farmer Board is created. For administrative and budgetary purposes only, the board shall be housed within the Department of Agriculture. The board shall be vested with the following duties and responsibilities:

(1) To approve and certify beginning farmers and livestock producers as eligible for the programs provided by the board, for eligibility to claim tax credits authorized by section 77-5209.01 , and for eligibility to claim an exemption of taxable tangible personal property tax as provided by section 77-5209.02 ;

(2) To approve and certify owners of agricultural assets as eligible for the tax credits authorized by sections 77-5211 to 77-5213 ;

(3) To advocate joint ventures between beginning farmers or livestock producers and existing private and public credit and banking licensed institutions, as well as to advocate joint ventures with owners of agricultural assets desiring to assist beginning farmers and livestock producers seeking entry into farming or livestock production;

(4) To provide necessary and reasonable assistance and support to beginning farmers and livestock producers for qualification and participation in financial management programs approved by the board;

(5) To advocate appropriate changes in policies and programs of other public and private institutions or agencies which will directly benefit beginning farmers and livestock producers and may include changes regarding financing, taxation, and any other existing policies which prohibit or impede individuals from entering into farming or livestock production;

(6) To provide adequate explanations of facts and aspects of available programs offered or recommended by the board intended for beginning farmers and livestock producers;

(7) To assist and educate beginning farmers and livestock producers by acting as a liaison between beginning farmers or livestock producers and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority;

(8) To encourage licensed financial institutions and individuals to use alternative amortization schedules for loans and land contracts granted to beginning farmers and livestock producers;

(9) To refer beginning farmers and livestock producers to agencies and organizations which may provide additional pertinent information and assistance;

(10) To provide any other assistance and support the board deems necessary and appropriate in order for entry into farming or livestock production;

(11) To adopt and promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Act, including criteria required for tax credit eligibility and financial management program certification and guidelines which constitute a viably sized farm that is necessary to adequately support a beginning farmer or livestock producer. Such guidelines shall vary and take into account the region of the state, number of acres, land quality and type, type of operation, type of crops or livestock raised, and other factors of farming or livestock production; and

(12) To keep minutes of the board's meetings and other books and records which will adequately reflect actions and decisions of the board and to provide an annual report to the Governor, the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, and the Clerk of the Legislature by December 1. The report submitted to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and the Clerk of the Legislature shall be submitted electronically.