FARM OPERATING LOAN ELIGIBILITY.

SEC. 255. FARM OPERATING LOAN ELIGIBILITY. During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2002— (1) sections 311(c) and 319 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(c), 1949) shall have no force or effect; and (2) in making direct loans under subtitle B of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1941 et seq.), the Secretary shall give priority to a qualified beginning farmer or rancher who has not operated a farm or ranch, or who has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 5 years.