Having a farm number opens up opportunities for small farmers to apply for USDA financial resources. It’s free to get a farm number and you don’t have to be the land owner. 

Getting a farm number from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) allows farmers to apply for FSA loan programs, crop insurance, and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs. One of the most popular NRCS programs farmers can access with their farm numbers is the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) for high tunnel, water conservation, and cover crop financial assistance. 

Farm numbers are used by the USDA to identify farmers, but are associated with a tract of land. Farm numbers are assigned to properties and remain connected to the property even after ownership is changed. Farmers can apply for a farm number for their land by filling out an application with the local FSA office. Farmers will need to present a form of identification, business formation documents, a legal description of the property, an aerial map of the property, and proof of ownership or lease agreement. Lease agreements should include the address, parties’ full names, number of acres, and beginning and end date.
 
We also want to acknowledge that due to generations of racism and discrimination at local FSA offices many BIPOC farmers still have issues getting their farm numbers. This is an issue the USDA needs to address. If you feel you have faced discrimination while trying to obtain a farm number or access other USDA programs, please email Shakera Raygoza at shakera@youngfarmers.org.