Introduction to the application package for USDA FSA programs
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EmailLearn about necessary forms and documents before your first visit to a USDA Farm Service Agency office.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports rural and urban farmers and ranchers through a variety of loan, disaster, conservation and revenue protection programs. Taking advantage of these programs is a prudent, low-cost risk management strategy.
Once you have worked with the FSA, they will have your past production history and farm records. Having these in place makes new program applications easier and smoother. However, establishing those records with the USDA for the first time can be challenging and time-consuming. Michigan State University Extension recommends submitting the basic forms well in advance of needing to apply for a specific program.
As you embark in that process, your first step will be to get a farm number. Getting a farm number will open the door for all FSA programs, as well as other non-FSA USDA programs. It’s important to understand that the farm number stays with the land. This means that it is possible that the land you are farming already has one. You do not have to own the land to participate in FSA programs, but you do have to provide proof that you have a right to farm it.
Next, you will need to fill out some forms in an FSA office or online. The basic paper application package includes:
- The Customer Data Worksheet, which gathers personal as well as demographic information for each individual and legal entity with an interest in the farm.
- The Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification form, which if applicable is used to certify that an individual or business is a member of one or more of those groups. Since the USDA isn’t allowed to ask any questions that might be considered discriminatory, you may need to request to complete this form. Do not be shy about asking! Special programs and benefits are there for those who qualify, and FSA employees are happy to help you get signed up with them. You can also do this part online if you do not feel comfortable discussing it in person.
- The Member Information for Legal Entities form is necessary if the farm is incorporated or considered a separate legal entity. This form will ask for entity members’ names and taxpayer identification numbers.
- The Farm Operating Plan, which collects information about the operation’s structure, business plan and capital contributions.
- The Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching or Forestry Certification form. This is simply a verification that you do not exceed an adjusted gross income of $900,000 and that you consent to disclose your tax Information.
- The Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form, where you certify that you will not perform potentially environmentally degrading activities without following a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) approved conservation plan or system.
- And finally, the Payment Enrollment Forms for FSA and NRCS. These are used to set up or change your direct deposit information.
In order to support all your statements in the forms, you will have to bring some documentation with you to your local FSA office. For example:
- Proof of identity
- Copy of property deeds and/or rental or lease agreements
- Location of the property and areas within it
- Legal and tax documents
- Production and inventory records
- A business or operating plan, including your goals for the future
However, do not feel that you need to have all this information to get started. Visit your local FSA office, and they will let you know what other pieces of information they will need.
Michigan State University Extension has many farm business management resources and templates to help you prepare for this and other management challenges. Many of these resources can be found at the MSU Extension Farm Management website. Contact your farm business management Extension educator if you need help finding the right resources for your particular situation.
If you would like to receive updated resources, answers to common questions, notices of future farm business management events and other useful information, sign up to receive updates from Florencia Colella, MSU Extension farm business management educator.
