Key Takeaways
- USDA launched the “One Farmer, One File” modernization initiative
- Program aims to create a single, unified record for each farmer across USDA agencies
- Effort will integrate systems across FSA, NRCS, and RMA
- Project began in 2025, with completion anticipated in 2028
- Initiative seeks to reduce administrative burden and improve program delivery efficiency
USDA Introduces “One Farmer, One File” Initiative
At the Commodity Classic Convention in San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the “One Farmer, One File” modernization initiative at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The initiative aims to create a single, streamlined record that follows a farmer throughout their interactions with USDA programs and agencies. The effort is intended to reduce duplicative paperwork and administrative tasks for agricultural producers.
“Every single day at USDA, our focus is on making life easier, more profitable and more rewarding for the American farmer,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “‘One Farmer, One File’ prevents our farmers from duplicating tasks while increases their productivity and time in the field.”
Integration Across USDA Agencies
The modernization will unify systems across USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). These agencies currently manage a range of services, including farm number registration, acreage reporting, disaster assistance, capital access, and conservation programs.
According to USDA, consolidating these systems will reduce administrative burdens for farmers, improve internal efficiency, and decrease spending on separate legacy information technology platforms.
The initiative began development in 2025, with further advancement planned for 2026. USDA anticipates full project completion by 2028.
Broader Modernization and Program Simplification
“One Farmer, One File” is part of a broader modernization effort to retire legacy systems and remove agency silos within USDA. The department stated that the unified system is intended to improve customer service and streamline program delivery.
USDA also cited additional modernization measures, including the use of Login.gov to expedite Farmer Bridge Assistance payments and efforts to simplify conservation program applications by enabling producers to bundle conservation practices.
The department indicated that these initiatives are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and improve service delivery for agricultural producers nationwide.
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