The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced on February 26, 2026, at the Commodity Classic convention in San Antonio, Texas, the “One Farmer, One File” program. The organization’s plan is to consolidate farmer records across multiple USDA agencies into a single profile. The overall target behind this change is to make it easier for producers to access federal programs while reducing administrative burdens on farmers and agency staff.
A Unified Record for Farmers
The initiative is to develop one record per farmer that is comprehensive and follows them throughout the USDA system, despite the program or agency they are interacting with. Farmers are currently required to provide information multiple times to various USDA offices, which has led to duplication of data and delays.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins emphasized that this initiative is part of improving customer service within the department. She stated that this is part of updating outdated processes.
Integrating Key USDA Agencies
The initiative focuses on integrating data and services across three USDA agencies:
- Farm Service Agency (FSA) – farm loans, disaster assistance, and farm program enrollment.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – supports conservation programs and technical assistance.
- Risk Management Agency (RMA) – administers federal crop insurance programs.
These agencies handle activities such as assigning farm numbers, reporting planted acres, applying for financial assistance, and managing risk through insurance programs. Because these services currently operate through separate systems, farmers often have to navigate multiple databases and repeat the same data submissions.
The new system aims to unify these processes, creating a single record that connects farmers’ interactions with each agency.
Reducing Red Tape and Improving Efficiency
According to the USDA, several benefits are expected from the “One Farmer, One File” initiative, which include:
- Reduction of red tape for farmers
- Faster and more efficient delivery of programs
- Improved coordination between agencies of the USDA
- Lower costs for maintaining multiple legacy IT systems
Part of a Broader USDA Modernization Effort
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the USDA to modernize its technology and improve service delivery to the public. The department traditionally maintained hundreds of individual databases and unique applications, which resulted in inefficiencies and increased operational costs. The development of the ‘One Farmer, One File’ system began in 2025, with much of the development occurring in 2026. The initiative is expected to last several years, with completion by 2028. The department is also exploring other technologies, such as identity verification technologies like Login.gov, to improve delivery of programs to farmers.
Support from Agricultural Organizations
Early reactions from agricultural groups have been positive. Supporters believe the effort may strengthen coordination between conservation, risk management, and financial assistance programs.
As the USDA continues developing the platform, the initiative may reshape how farmers interact with federal agricultural program – moving toward a more streamlined, digital, and farmer-focused system.