Freedmen Heirs Foundation is frequently asked questions regarding how farmers can become eligible to actively participate in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, receive technical assistance, and funding opportunities to grow their farm businesses. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is the place to start. FSA offers various programming opportunities and financial assistance. This article showcases Freedmen Heirs’ responses to a series of frequently asked questions to help farmers prepare to access resources through USDA.
How do I begin?
To become eligible for USDA programs and resources, it is required to first register the farm with FSA. To register a farm, a farmer is encouraged to schedule a meeting with a local FSA staff member to obtain a farm number. Farmers can locate local FSA offices here.
What to expect during the initial meeting with FSA?
Farmers are advised to set aside adequate time (2-3 hours) to complete paperwork and bring the following documentation to the meeting:
- Proof of Identity. This can consist of a valid driver’s license, social security card, etc. This information will assist FSA in establishing a customer record associated with the land. Reference Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet, for additional details.
- Proof of Land Ownership or Management. This information can consist of a copy of a recorded deed or leasing agreement. For farmers who have inherited land without legal documentation of ownership, USDA offers alternative methods to showcase proof of ownership or control of the land. Learn more here.
- Entity Identification Status. If applicable, farm entities will need to provide articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, trust documents, etc. to effectively establish a farm record.
Once a customer record is established, FSA staff will determine if the land is registered in the FSA database. If there is no farm record of the land in the database, FSA staff will construct a geographical sketch of the land outlining acreage parameters (i.e., cropland acres, wetlands, erodible fields) to establish a farm record. Following, a farm serial number will be assigned to the farmer. Please note that farm numbers are issued for free.
What is a farm serial number?
A farm serial number (FSN), is an identification number assigned to a specific parcel of land once registered as a farm by FSA. The farm number is associated with the land and not the farmer; therefore if ownership of the land changes, the existing farm number will remain with the designated area of land.
What are the benefits of having a farm number? Acquiring a farm number can provide several benefits for farmers. Pertinent benefits are:
Access to USDA programs and services: A farm number is a prerequisite for accessing government programs and funding related to agriculture via USDA agencies such as FSA and Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS). These programs can include funding for conservation practices, disaster assistance, crop insurance, loans, and more.
Examples of programs and services offered by some USDA agencies are:
FSA:
Emergency Conservation Program
NRCS:
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Conservation Stewardship Program
Participation in FSA County Committee elections: Having a farm number allows farmers to elect officers from farming communities that will help prioritize and deliver USDA programs and meet local needs of the county. Learn more about FSA County Committee elections here.
What is required after I’ve registered my farm? Once the farm is registered, the farmer will work with the USDA agency of interest (i.e., FSA, NRCS) and a member of the staff will assist with completing the application process for the desired USDA program(s) pursued. Depending on the type of program and resources desired, various forms (i.e., Farm Operating Plan, Income and Tax Information, Conservation Compliance) will be requested to complete the application process. A recommended list of documents to prepare when applying for USDA farm programs can be sourced here. Also, see important dates for USDA program deadlines here.
For additional questions and support, connect with us at info@freedmenheirs.org.
References and Additional Resources:
Get Started: Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
