H.R. 6169: Fair Credit for Farmers Act
Sponsor
Alma Adams
Democrat · NC
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Why it matters
If enacted, the biggest winners would be farmers who already face structural barriers to credit: the bill explicitly covers limited resource farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and it pairs loan relief with a fairer shot at challenging adverse USDA decisions. That could mean fewer forced exits, fewer farms pushed into default over short-term shocks, and more leverage for borrowers dealing with agency mistakes; the tradeoff is that USDA would face more procedural obligations and critics will argue it gives preferential treatment to certain categories of producers.
H.R. 6169 Common Questions
How much would USDA farm loan interest be reduced under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act?
Eligible borrowers' outstanding direct farm loans would be set at 0.125% interest for 2 years from enactment under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 2).
Can delinquent farmers get a 2-year deferment on USDA direct farm loan payments?
Yes. Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 2), principal and interest on direct farm loans must be deferred for 2 years for eligible borrowers who are delinquent or financially distressed.
Does the Fair Credit for Farmers Act waive guaranteed farm loan fees for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers?
Yes. Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 2), lenders must waive guaranteed farm loan fees for covered producers, including socially disadvantaged, veteran, beginning, and limited resource farmers, for at least 2 years.
What is the income limit for shifting the burden of proof to USDA in a farm loan appeal?
According to HR6169 Section 4, if the appellant's AGI is $300,000 or less from the prior year or 5-year average, the agency must prove by substantial evidence that its adverse decision was not erroneous.
Can USDA use my farmhouse as collateral for a farm loan if I have other assets?
Usually no. Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 3), a principal residence can be used as security only if other assets do not provide adequate security, and it must be the last option.
When does USDA have to release a farmer's home from farm loan collateral?
Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 3), USDA must initiate a partial release of the principal residence when other assets equal 100% of the remaining loan amount.
Can USDA deny a farm loan later for a reason it left out of the first denial letter?
No. Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 3), if a reason is omitted from the initial adverse determination letter, USDA generally cannot later deny based on that same reason unless circumstances substantially changed.
Can beginning farmers get a USDA ownership loan without 1 year of management experience?
Yes, in some cases. Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 3), USDA may waive the 1-year management experience requirement for qualified beginning farmers with an approved mentor or acceptable education or experience.
Does the Fair Credit for Farmers Act let farmers refinance non-USDA debt into a USDA ownership loan?
Yes. According to HR6169 Section 3, debt owed to creditors other than the Secretary may be refinanced, including up to 4 times for farm ownership loans.
Can a farmer get money if USDA wrongly denied a loan and the delay made the application no longer feasible?
Yes. Under the Fair Credit for Farmers Act (Section 3), equitable relief can be awarded if FSA erred or withdrew an adverse decision and the delay made the original application no longer feasible.
Based on H.R. 6169 bill text
HR6169 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
About the Sponsor
Alma Adams
Democrat, North Carolina's 12th congressional district · 12 years in Congress
Committees: Agriculture, Education and Workforce
View full profile →
Cosponsors (2)
All 2 cosponsors are Democrats. Cosponsors represent 2 states: Massachusetts, Virginia.
What laws does H.R. 6169 change?
3 changes
Sections Amended
Section 196(b) of Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(b))
adding at the end the following: ``(5) Adverse decisions
Section 311 of Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941)
striking subsection (c)
Section 312(a) of Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1942(a))
striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following: ``(9) refinancing the indebtedness of a borrower; or''
H.R. 6169 Quick Facts
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Agriculture and Food
- Introduced
- Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Nov 20, 2025
Constituent Resources
H.R. 6169 Bill Text
“To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reform farm loans, to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to reform the National Appeals Division process, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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