Part B—Mergers, Transfers of Assets, and Powers of Associations Within a District

subpart 1—transfers by federal land banks to federal land bank associations

§2279b. Transfer of lending authority

(a) Voluntary transfers

A Federal land bank or a merged bank having a Federal land bank as one of its constituents, may transfer to a Federal land bank association, and the association may assume, the authority of the transferring bank in the territorial area served by the association, to make and participate in long-term real estate mortgage loans under this chapter if the transfer is approved by—

(1) the Farm Credit Administration Board;

(2) the Board of Directors of both institutions; and

(3) a majority of the stockholders of the bank and of the association, in accordance with the voting provisions of sections 2279a and 2279c–1 of this title, respectively.

(b) Direct loans and financial assistance

After a transfer described in subsection (a) or (d) of this section—

(1) the Federal land bank association shall possess all of the direct long-term real estate mortgage loan authority, formerly possessed by the transferring bank, in the territory served by the association; and

(2) the bank may provide and extend financial assistance to, and discount for, or purchase from, the transferee Federal land bank association any note, draft, or other obligation with the endorsement or guarantee of the association, the proceeds of which have been advanced to persons eligible and for purposes of financing by the association under subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Regulations

The Farm Credit Administration shall issue regulations that establish the manner in which the powers and obligations of the banks that make transfers are consolidated and, to the extent necessary, reconciled in the association referred to in subsection (a) of this section.

(d) Mandatory transfer

On the merger of one or more production credit associations with one or more Federal land bank associations, the bank supervising the Federal land bank association shall transfer all of the direct lending authority of the bank in the territory served by such Federal land bank association to such merged association.

(Pub. L. 92–181, title VII, §7.6, formerly §§7.6, 7.7, as added Pub. L. 100–233, title IV, §416, Jan. 6, 1988, 101 Stat. 1647; amended Pub. L. 100–399, title IV, §408(f)–(j), Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 1001, 1002.)

Codification

Pub. L. 100–399, §408(j), transferred section 7.7 of Pub. L. 92–181, which was classified to section 2279c of this title, to subsec. (d) of this section.

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(f), substituted "Voluntary transfers" for "Assignments" as subsection heading, and in text substituted "may transfer" for "may assign", "this chapter" for "sections 2014 through 2017 of this title", and "transfer is approved" for "assignment is approved" in introductory provisions, and "sections 2279a and 2279c–1 of this title, respectively" for "sections 2279a and 2279b of this title" in par. (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(g), substituted "a transfer described in subsection (a) or (d)" for "an assignment described in subsection (a)" in introductory provisions and "the bank may provide" for "the Federal land bank may provide" in par. (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(h), struck out "assignments or" before "transfers are consolidated" and struck out second sentence, which provided that, following a transfer or assignment under subsection (a) of this section, the provisions of section 2154a of this title were to be applicable to the association.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(i), (j), transferred section 2279c of this title to subsec. (d) of this section, substituted heading for former section heading, and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "On the merger of one or more production credit associations with one or more Federal land bank associations, the bank supervising the Federal land bank association shall transfer all of its direct lending authority of the bank to such association under section 2279c–1 of this title."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–399 effective as if enacted immediately after enactment of Pub. L. 100–233, which was approved Jan. 6, 1988, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 100–399, set out as a note under section 2002 of this title.

§2279c. Equalization of loan-making powers of certain district associations

(a) Equalization of loan-making powers

(1) In general

(A) Federal land bank associations

Subject to paragraph (2), any association that owns a Federal land bank association authorized as of January 1, 2007, to make long-term loans under subchapter I in its chartered territory within the geographic area described in subsection (b) may make short- and intermediate-term loans and otherwise operate as a production credit association under subchapter II within that same chartered territory.

(B) Production credit associations

Subject to paragraph (2), any association that under its charter has subchapter I lending authority and that owns a production credit association authorized as of January 1, 2007, to make short- and intermediate-term loans under subchapter II in the geographic area described in subsection (b) may make long-term loans and otherwise operate, directly or through a subsidiary association, as a Federal land bank association or Federal land credit association under subchapter I in the geographic area.

(C) Farm Credit Bank

Notwithstanding section 2252(a) of this title, the Farm Credit Bank with which any association had a written financing agreement as of January 1, 2007, may make loans and extend other comparable financial assistance with respect to, and may purchase, any loans made under the new authority provided under subparagraph (A) or (B) by an association exercising such authority.

(2) Required approvals

An association may exercise the additional authority provided for in paragraph (1) only after the exercise of the authority is approved by—

(A) the board of directors of the association; and

(B) a majority of the voting stockholders of the association (or, if the association is a subsidiary of another association, the voting stockholders of the parent association) voting, in person or by proxy, at a duly authorized meeting of stockholders in accordance with the process described in section 2279e of this title.

(b) Applicability

This section applies only to associations the chartered territory of which was within the geographic area served by the Federal intermediate credit bank immediately prior to its merger with a Farm Credit Bank under section 410(e)(1) of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (12 U.S.C. 2011 note; Public Law 100–233).

(Pub. L. 92–181, title VII, §7.7, as added Pub. L. 110–234, title V, §5407(a), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1159, and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title V, §5407(a), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1921.)

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical sections. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 2279c, Pub. L. 92–181, title VII, §7.7, as added Pub. L. 100–233, title IV, §416, Jan. 6, 1988, 101 Stat. 1647; amended Pub. L. 100–399, title IV, §408(i), (j), Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 1002, related to mergers of unlike associations, prior to renumbering as section 7.6(d) of Pub. L. 92–181 and transfer to section 2279b(d) of this title.

Effective Date

Enactment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Section effective Jan. 1, 2010, see section 5407(d) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date of 2008 Amendment note under section 2252 of this title.

subpart 2—merger of like and unlike associations

§2279c–1. Merger of associations

(a) In general

Two or more associations within the same district, whether or not organized under the same subchapter of this chapter, may merge into a single entity (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as a "merged association") if the plan of merger is approved by—

(1) the Farm Credit Administration Board;

(2) the boards of directors of the associations;

(3) a majority of the shareholders of each association voting, in person or by proxy, at a duly authorized stockholders' meeting; and

(4) the Farm Credit Bank.

(b) Powers, obligations, and consolidation

(1) Powers and obligations

Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, a merged association shall—

(A) possess all powers granted under this chapter to the associations forming the merged association; and

(B) be subject to all of the obligations imposed under this chapter on the associations forming the merged association.

(2) Consolidation

The Farm Credit Administration shall issue regulations that establish the manner in which the powers and obligations of the associations that form the merged association are consolidated and, to the extent necessary, reconciled in the merged association.

(c) Stock issuance

(1) Plan of merger

Subject to section 2154a of this title, the number of shares of capital stock issued by a merged association to the stockholders of any association forming such merged association, and the rights and privileges of such shares (including voting power, preferences on liquidation, and the right to dividends), shall be determined by the plan of merger adopted by the merged associations.

(2) Capitalization

In accordance with section 2154a of this title, each merged association shall provide, through bylaws and subject to Farm Credit Administration regulations, for the capitalization of the association and the manner in which association stock shall be issued, held, transferred, and retired, and association earnings shall be distributed.

(Pub. L. 92–181, title VII, §7.8, as added Pub. L. 100–233, title IV, §416, Jan. 6, 1988, 101 Stat. 1647; amended Pub. L. 100–399, title IV, §408(k), (l), Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 1002.)

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(k), struck out second sentence, which directed that, following a merger under subsection (a) of this section, the provisions of section 2154a of this title were to be applicable to the merged association.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(l), substituted "Capitalization" for "Plan of capitalization" as par. (2) heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The number of shares of capital stock, and the rights and privileges thereof, issued by a merged association after a merger shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the merged association, with the approval of the supervising bank, and shall be consistent with section 2154a of this title and the regulations issued by the Farm Credit Administration."

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(l), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "Voting stock of a merged association shall be issued to and held by farmers, ranchers, or producers or harvesters of aquatic products who are or were, immediately prior to the merger, direct borrowers from one of the associations forming the merged association or the supervising bank of such merged association."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(l), struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows: "The plan of merger shall provide for the issuance, transfer, and retirement of stock and the distribution of earnings in accordance with the provisions of section 2154a of this title."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–399 effective as if enacted immediately after enactment of Pub. L. 100–233, which was approved Jan. 6, 1988, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 100–399, set out as a note under section 2002 of this title.

subpart 3—reconsideration

§2279c–2. Reconsideration

(a) Period

A stockholder vote in favor of—

(1) the merger of districts under this chapter;

(2) the merger of banks within a district under section 2279a of this title;

(3) the transfer of the lending authority of a Federal land bank or a merged bank having a Federal land bank as one of its constituents, under section 2279b of this title;

(4) the merger of two or more associations under section 2279c–1 or 2279f–1 of this title;

(5) the termination of the status of an institution as a System institution under section 2279d of this title; or

(6) the merger of similar banks under section 2279f of this title;

shall not take effect except in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Reconsideration

(1) Notice

Not later than 30 days after a stockholder vote in favor of any of the actions described in subsection (a) of this section, the officer or employee that records such vote shall ensure that all stockholders of the voting entity receive notice of the final results of the vote.

(2) Effective date

A voluntary merger, transfer, or termination that is approved by a vote of the stockholders of two or more banks or associations shall not take effect until the expiration of 30 days after the date on which the stockholders of such banks or associations are notified of the final result of the vote in accordance with paragraph (1).

(3) Petition filed

If a petition for reconsideration of a merger, transfer, or termination vote, signed by at least 15 percent of the stockholders of one or more of the affected banks or associations, is presented to the Farm Credit Administration within 30 days after the date of the notification required under paragraph (1)—

(A) a voluntary merger, transfer, or termination shall not take effect until the expiration of 60 days after the date on which the stockholders were notified of the final result of the vote; and

(B) a special meeting of the stockholders of the affected banks or associations shall be held during the period referred to in subparagraph (A) to reconsider the vote.

(4) Vote on reconsideration

If a majority of stockholders of any one of the affected banks or associations voting, in person or by written proxy, at a duly authorized stockholders' meeting, vote against the proposed merger, transfer, or termination, such action shall not take place.

(5) Failure to file petition

If a petition for reconsideration of such vote is either not filed prior to the 60th day after the vote or, if timely filed, is not signed by at least 15 percent of the stockholders, the merger, transfer, or termination shall become effective in accordance with the plan of merger, transfer, or termination.

(c) Special reconsideration

(1) Issuance of regulations

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Farm Credit Administration shall issue regulations under which the stockholders of any association that voluntarily merged with one or more associations after December 23, 1985, and before January 6, 1988, may petition for the opportunity to organize as a separate association.

(2) Requirements

The regulations issued by the Farm Credit Administration shall require that—

(A) the petition be filed within 1 year after the date of the implementation of such regulations;

(B) the petition be signed by at least 15 percent of the stockholders of any one of the associations that merged during the period;

(C) the petition describe the territory in which the proposed separate association will operate;

(D) if the petition is approved—

(i) the loans of the members of the new association will be transferred from the current association to such new association;

(ii) the stock, participation certificates, and other similar equities of the current association held by members of the new association will be retired at book value and the proceeds of such will be transferred to the new association, and an equivalent amount of stock, participation certificates, and other similar equities will be issued to the members by the new association; and

(iii) the other assets of the current association will be distributed equitably among the current association and any resulting new association.

(3) Notification

(A) In general

Not later than 30 days after the filing of the petition for organization, the current association shall notify its stockholders that a petition to establish the separate association has been filed.

(B) Contents

The notification required under this paragraph shall contain—

(i) the date of a special stockholders' meeting to consider the petition for organization; and

(ii) an enumerated statement of the anticipated benefits and the potential disadvantages to such stockholders if the new association is established.

(C) FCA approval

(i) In general

All notifications under this paragraph shall be submitted to the Farm Credit Administration Board for approval prior to being distributed to the stockholders.

(ii) Amending notification

The Farm Credit Administration Board shall require that, prior to the distribution of the notification to the stockholders, the notification be amended as determined necessary by the Board to provide accurate information to the stockholders that will enable such stockholders to make an informed decision as to the advisability of establishing a new association.

(D) Special stockholders' meeting

(i) Timing of meeting

The special stockholders' meeting to consider the petition shall be held within 60 days after the filing of the petition.

(ii) Approval

If, at the special stockholders' meeting, a majority of the stockholders of the current association who would be served by the new association approve, by voting in person or by proxy, the establishment of the separate association, the Farm Credit Administration shall, within 30 days of such vote, issue a charter to the new association and amend the charter of the current association to reflect the territory to be served by the new association.

(Pub. L. 92–181, title VII, §7.9, as added Pub. L. 100–233, title IV, §416, Jan. 6, 1988, 101 Stat. 1648; amended Pub. L. 100–399, title IV, §408(n), (o), Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 1002.)

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(1), substituted "this chapter" for "section 2252(a)(2) of this title".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(5), redesignated par. (5) as (4).

Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(2), inserted reference to section 2279f–1 of this title.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(5), redesignated par. (6) as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (4).

Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(3), substituted "or" for "and".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(5), redesignated par. (7) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (5).

Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(4), substituted "section 2279f" for "section 2279f–1".

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(n)(5), redesignated par. (7) as (6).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–399, §408(o), struck out comma before "shall not take effect" and substituted "such banks or" for "such".

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–399 effective as if enacted immediately after enactment of Pub. L. 100–233, which was approved Jan. 6, 1988, see section 1001(a) of Pub. L. 100–399, set out as a note under section 2002 of this title.

subpart 4—termination and dissolution of institutions

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–399, title IV, §408(m), Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 1002, redesignated subpart 3 as 4.

§2279d. Termination of System institution status

(a) Conditions

A System institution may terminate the status of the institution as a System institution if—

(1) the institution provides written notice to the Farm Credit Administration Board not later than 90 days prior to the proposed termination date;

(2) the termination is approved by the Farm Credit Administration Board;

(3) the appropriate Federal or State authority grants approval to charter the institution as a bank, savings and loan association, or other financial institution;

(4) the institution pays to the Farm Credit Assistance Fund, as created under section 2278b–5 of this title, if the termination is prior to January 1, 1992, or pays to the Farm Credit Insurance Fund, if the termination is after such date, the amount by which the total capital of the institution exceeds, 6 percent of the assets;

(5) the institution pays or makes adequate provision for payment of all outstanding debt obligations of the institution;

(6) the termination is approved by a majority of the stockholders of the institution voting, in person or by written proxy, at a duly authorized stockholders' meeting, held prior to giving notice to the Farm Credit Administration Board; and

(7) the institution meets such other conditions as the Farm Credit Administration Board by regulation considers appropriate.

(b) Effect

On termination of its status as a System institution—

(1) the Farm Credit Administration Board shall revoke the charter of the institution; and

(2) the institution shall no longer be an instrumentality of the United States under this chapter.

(Pub. L. 92–181, title VII, §7.10, as added Pub. L. 100–233, title IV, §416, Jan. 6, 1988, 101 Stat. 1650.)