1. The eligible business, to the extent the eligible business is not actively engaged in farming within the economic development area, may acquire and own up to one thousand acres of land in the economic development area, notwithstanding the provisions of section 567.3 if the eligible business has been designated an exempt business under subsection 3. An eligible business may lease up to an additional two hundred eighty acres of land in the economic development area.
The eligible business may receive one or more one-year extensions of the time limit for complying with the requirements of section 567.4. Each extension must be approved by the community prior to approval by the department. The eligible business shall comply with the remaining provisions of chapter 567 to the extent they do not conflict with this subsection.
2. "Actively engaged in farming" means any of the following:
a. Inspecting agricultural production activities within the economic development area periodically and furnishing at least half of the value of the tools and paying at least half the direct cost of production.
b. Regularly and frequently making or taking an important part in making management decisions substantially contributing to or affecting the success of the farm operations within the economic development area.
c. Performing physical work which significantly contributes to crop or livestock production.
3. An eligible business shall not receive the exemption under this section unless it has applied to be designated an exempt business by July 1, 1998.
4. The department of economic development shall monitor the activities of eligible businesses receiving the exemption under this section and report to the general assembly by December 15 of each year.
5. An eligible business that complies with this section shall be considered to be acquiring, owning, or leasing agricultural land for immediate or potential use in nonfarming purposes under section 9H.4, subsection 4.
96 Acts, ch 1185, §2
Iowa General Assembly
Search: Iowa Code 1997
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