Short- and Intermediate-Term Loans; Participation; Other Financial Assistance; Terms; Conditions; Interest, Security.—

Sec. 2.15. Short- and Intermediate-Term Loans; Participation; Other Financial Assistance; Terms; Conditions; Interest, Security.— (a) Each production credit association, under rules and regulations prescribed by the board of directors of the Federal intermediate credit bank of the district and approved by the Farm Credit Administration, may make, guarantee, or participate with other lenders in short- and intermediate-term loans and other similar financial assistance to (1) bona fide farmers and ranchers and the. producers or harvesters of aquatic products, for agricultural purposes and other requirements of such borrowers, (2) rural residents for housing financing in rural areas, under regulations of Farm Credit Administration, and (3) persons furnishing to farmers and ranchers farm-related services directly related to their on-farm operating needs. Rural housing financed under this title shall lie for single-family, moderate-priced dwellings and their appurtenances not inconsistent with the general quality and standards of housing existing in, planned or recommended for the rural area where it is located. The aggregate of such housing loans in an association to persons other than farmers or ranchers shall not exceed 15 per centum of the outstanding loans at the end of its preceding fiscal year except upon prior approval by the Federal intermediate credit bank of the district. The aggregate of such housing loans in any farm credit district shall not exceed 15 per centum of the outstanding loans of all associations in the district at the end of the preceding fiscal year. For rural housing purposes under this section the term “rural areas” shall not be defined to include any city or village having a population in excess of 2,500 inhabitants. Each association may own and lease, or lease with option to purchase, to stockholders of the association equipment needed in the operations of the stockholder. (b) Loans authorized in subsection (a) hereof shall bear such rate or rates of interest as are determined under regulations prescribed by the board of the bank with the approval of the Farm Credit Administration, and shall be made upon such terms, conditions, and upon such security, if any, as shall be authorized in such regulations. In setting rates and charges, it shall be the objective to provide the types of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the association, necessary reserves and expenses of the association, and services provided to borrowers and members. The loan documents may provide for the interest rate or rates to vary from time to time during the repayment period of the loan in accordance with the rate or rates currently being charged by the association. Such regulations may require prior approval of the bank or of Farm Credit Administration on certain classes of loans; and may authorize a continuing commitment to a borrower of a line of credit.