7 USC 2008a – Equitable relief

(a) In general

Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may provide a form of relief described in subsection (c) to any farmer or rancher who—

(1) received a direct farm ownership, operating, or emergency loan under this chapter; and

(2) the Secretary determines is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter with respect to the loan.

(b) Limitation

Terms Used In 7 USC 2008a

Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
association: when used in reference to a corporation, shall be deemed to embrace the words "successors and assigns of such company or association" in like manner as if these last-named words, or words of similar import, were expressed. See 1 USC 5
Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. ^{Source: U.S. Courts}
farmer: includes a person who is engaged in, or who, with assistance afforded under this chapter, intends to engage in, fish farming. See 7 USC 1991
farming: shall be deemed to include fish farming. See 7 USC 1991

The Secretary may only provide relief to a farmer or rancher under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the farmer or rancher—

(1) acted in good faith; and

(2) relied on an action of, or the advice of, the Secretary (including any authorized representative of the Secretary) to the detriment of the farming or ranching operation of the farmer or rancher.

(c) Forms of relief

The Secretary may provide to a farmer or rancher under subsection (a) any of the following forms of relief:

(1) The farmer or rancher may retain loans or other benefits received in association with the loan with respect to which the farmer or rancher was determined to be noncompliant under subsection (a)(2).

(2) The farmer or rancher may receive such other equitable relief as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(d) Condition

As a condition of receiving relief under this section, the Secretary may require the farmer or rancher to take actions designed to remedy the noncompliance.