Alabama Administrative Code Title 108 - AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 108, is specifically for the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority. This Authority was established to promote and support the agricultural sector within Alabama, including farming, ranching, and activities related to the processing, storing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and exporting of agricultural commodities.
The rules within Title 108 lay out the operational framework for the Authority and its programs, with a strong focus on providing financial assistance to eligible agricultural entities.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and areas covered in Title 108:
Chapter 108-1-1 - LEGAL AUTHORITY:
This chapter establishes the statutory basis for the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority, primarily citing Code of Alabama 1975, §2-3A-1 et seq. This code outlines the Authority's creation, powers, and overall purpose.
Chapter 108-1-2 - DEFINITIONS:
This chapter provides crucial definitions for terms used throughout the Authority's rules. Key definitions include:
"Agriculture or agricultural activities": This term is broadly defined to encompass farming, ranching, aquaculture, silviculture (forestry), and the treating, processing, storing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or exporting of agricultural commodities. It specifically excludes retail selling as a principal purpose.
"Authority": Refers to the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority.
"Board": Refers to the board of directors of the Authority.
"Borrower": Defines who can borrow from the Authority. This typically includes individuals, partnerships, cooperatives, corporations, or other entities that derive at least 60% of their gross income from agriculture, are Alabama residents, are headquartered and operating in Alabama, and do not owe defaulted taxes to the state.
Chapter 108-1-3 - LOAN PROGRAMS:
This is a central chapter, outlining the specific rules for the financial assistance programs offered by the Authority, primarily in the form of loans. These rules would cover:
Eligibility criteria for loan applicants.
Application procedures for loans.
Terms and conditions of the loans.
Review and approval processes for loan applications.
Types of projects or activities eligible for funding (e.g., acquiring and improving real and personal property, repairs, annual operating expenses, family living expenses, refinancing debt for agricultural operations).
Chapter 108-1-4 - ADOPTION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS:
This chapter details the procedures the Authority follows to adopt, amend, or repeal its administrative rules, ensuring compliance with Alabama's administrative procedures act.
Purpose and Responsibilities of the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority:
The overall purpose of the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority, as reflected in its governing statutes and administrative rules, is to:
Promote and facilitate agricultural development: By providing financial and other support to enhance the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Support agricultural businesses: Offer assistance to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses involved in all stages of agricultural production and processing.
Encourage economic growth in rural areas: Agricultural development often has a significant impact on rural economies.
Increase the competitiveness of Alabama's agricultural products: By helping producers and processors improve operations and access markets.
Leverage financial resources: Utilize its authority to issue bonds and provide loans to stimulate investment in the agricultural sector.
In essence, the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority acts as a financial and developmental catalyst for the state's agriculture industry, supporting its viability and expansion through regulated loan programs and other initiatives.
You can find the full text of the Alabama Administrative Code, Title 108, on the Alabama Legislative Services Agency's Administrative Code website (admincode.legislature.state.al.us) or through legal information platforms like Justia and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII).
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