---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 7217"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "7217"
heading: "Transfer or change of interest in lands subject to contract"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/7217"
units:
  - "Chapter 100 — Agricultural Market Transition"
  - "Subchapter II — Production Flexibility Contracts"
---

# §7217. Transfer or change of interest in lands subject to contract

- (a) **Termination—** Except as provided in [subsection (c)](#c), a transfer of (or change in) the interest of an owner or [producer](/usc/7/7202.md?p=12) subject to a [contract](/usc/7/7202.md?p=3) in the [contract acreage](/usc/7/7202.md?p=4) covered by the [contract](/usc/7/7202.md?p=3) shall result in the termination of the [contract](/usc/7/7202.md?p=3) with respect to the acreage, unless the transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all obligations under the [contract](/usc/7/7202.md?p=3). The termination shall be effective on the date of the transfer or change.
- (b) **Modification—** At the request of the transferee or owner, the [Secretary](/usc/7/7202.md?p=13) may modify the [contract](/usc/7/7202.md?p=3) if the modifications are consistent with the objectives of this subchapter, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/7202.md?p=13).
- (c) **Exception—** If an owner or [producer](/usc/7/7202.md?p=12) who is entitled to a [contract payment](/usc/7/7202.md?p=6) dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise unable to receive the [contract payment](/usc/7/7202.md?p=6), the [Secretary](/usc/7/7202.md?p=13) shall make the payment, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/7/7202.md?p=13).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 104–127, title I, § 117, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 904.)