USDA Launches 'One Farmer, One File' Initiative to Streamline Support

New program aims to create a single, unified record for farmers across USDA agencies.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the 'One Farmer, One File' initiative, a modernization effort to unify all Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency systems into a single, streamlined record that follows the farmer. The goal is to reduce administrative burdens, increase efficiency, and save time and money for both farmers and USDA staff.

Why it matters

This initiative is part of the Trump Administration's broader push to simplify and streamline USDA programs for agricultural producers. By eliminating duplicative systems and agency silos, the 'One Farmer, One File' program aims to make it easier for farmers to access the full range of USDA services and support.

The details

Through 'One Farmer, One File,' USDA plans to retire legacy systems and create a unified system that will follow the farmer across all USDA agencies. This is expected to reduce administrative tasks for farmers, increase efficiency for USDA staff, and decrease spending on disparate IT systems. The project began in 2025 and is slated for completion in 2028.

  • The 'One Farmer, One File' initiative was announced on February 27, 2026 at the Commodity Classic Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
  • USDA began work on the unified system in 2025 and plans to greatly advance the effort in 2026.
  • USDA anticipates completing the 'One Farmer, One File' project in 2028.

The players

Brooke L. Rollins

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who announced the 'One Farmer, One File' initiative.

Russell Boenig

President of the Texas Farm Bureau, whose farm Secretary Rollins visited to launch the Deregulatory Agenda for American Agriculture and Consumers.

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What they’re saying

“Every single day at USDA, our focus is on making life easier, more profitable and more rewarding for the American farmer. Our government for the people by the people should be modern, efficient, and respect taxpayer dollars. This modernization of old, duplicative, wasteful systems has one goal in mind, improve our customer service so the people we serve are able to farm and feed America and the world.”

— Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

USDA plans to greatly advance the 'One Farmer, One File' effort in 2026 and anticipates completing the project in 2028.

The takeaway

The 'One Farmer, One File' initiative is a key part of the Trump Administration's broader efforts to simplify and streamline USDA programs for agricultural producers. By unifying disparate agency systems into a single, farmer-centric record, USDA aims to reduce administrative burdens, increase efficiency, and better support America's farmers and ranchers.