USDA Unveils 'One Farmer, One File' Initiative to Streamline Tech Services

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announces new program to simplify paperwork and improve farmer assistance

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a new USDA initiative called 'One Farmer, One File' that aims to streamline the department's computer systems and make it easier for farmers to file paperwork and receive assistance. The program will integrate data across USDA's Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency to provide a single, unified record for each farmer.

Why it matters

The new initiative is intended to reduce bureaucratic red tape and make it faster and simpler for farmers to interact with USDA, which has faced criticism for outdated and siloed technology systems. By modernizing its digital infrastructure, the USDA hopes to provide better and more efficient support to America's agricultural producers.

The details

The 'One Farmer, One File' program will update USDA's technology to allow its various agencies to share information and access a single, comprehensive file for each farmer. This is intended to make it easier for USDA staff to assist farmers, without requiring them to repeatedly submit the same paperwork. Secretary Rollins stressed that the initiative is not a mandate to digitize, and farmers will still have the option to use paper forms and in-person services at their local USDA offices.

  • The 'One Farmer, One File' initiative was announced by Secretary Rollins during her speech at the Commodity Classic event on February 26, 2026.

The players

Brooke Rollins

The U.S. Agriculture Secretary who unveiled the 'One Farmer, One File' initiative at the Commodity Classic.

USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is launching the new program to streamline its technology and services for farmers.

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

A USDA agency that will be integrated into the 'One Farmer, One File' system.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

A USDA agency that will be integrated into the 'One Farmer, One File' system.

Risk Management Agency (RMA)

A USDA agency that will be integrated into the 'One Farmer, One File' system.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to announce officially USDA's 'One Farmer, One File' initiative, which creates a single, streamlined record that follows you, the farmer, no matter where you go in the USDA system.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary (Hoosier Ag Today)

“This is not a mandate to digitize. We're not telling you we're moving everything to your phone or your computer at home, but instead, it is an expansion of options for our farmers.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary (Hoosier Ag Today)

What’s next

The USDA plans to begin implementing the 'One Farmer, One File' initiative across its various agencies in the coming months, with the goal of having the new streamlined system fully operational by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

The 'One Farmer, One File' program represents a significant effort by the USDA to modernize its technology and improve the experience for America's farmers, who have long faced frustrations with the department's outdated and siloed systems. By integrating its data and services, the USDA aims to provide more efficient and effective assistance to the agricultural community.