What is the primary purpose of Farmer Mac?

The primary purpose of Farmer Mac, or the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, is to create a secondary market for agricultural mortgage loans. This agency supports the agricultural sector by enhancing the availability of credit to farmers and rural homeowners. By purchasing agricultural mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, Farmer Mac facilitates liquidity in the agricultural lending market. This process allows lenders to free up capital and provide more loans to farmers, ultimately enhancing the overall stability and growth within the agricultural economy.

In this context, other options do not accurately reflect Farmer Mac's role. For instance, the organization does not focus on urban development or the buying and selling of residential mortgages, which are outside its primary mandate. Additionally, while it plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural loans, it does not serve as a regulatory body overseeing agricultural loans across different states. Hence, the focus on creating a secondary market is central to Farmer Mac’s mission.