ESTABLISH YOUR FARM
Register Your Farm
Establish a Customer Record
As a beginning farmer, you need to establish a customer record with the USDA by filling out forms from the FSA. Once this record is established, you will be able to access your documents through obtaining Level 2 e-authentication. You can find resources and direction in the links below.
FSA TIPS
Before You Visit Your Service Center
The service center is where your FSA journey starts in person. Here’s what you should know before you go.
Know the Difference
Your FSA Service Center is a USDA-run office where staff help you establish records, apply for programs, and get support with loans and payments.
The LAA (Local Administrative Area) is a geographic designation that determines which office manages your farm records — it may not be the physically closest office to you. Service Center Map
You are not required to visit the service center closest to you. Feel free to visit different offices to build better relationships with FSA staff — you’ll be working closely with them as you establish your records and access resources.
Tips for Your Visit
- → Bring a government-issued photo ID
- → Have your email address ready — make sure it matches your USDA record
- → Know your farm’s approximate acreage and crop type(s)
- → Ask about programs relevant to your operation while you’re there
- → Building a good relationship with staff is just as valuable as the forms
REQUIRED FORMS
Are you filing as an individual farmer or an entity that includes various personnel?
The forms you will fill out will differ based on how your farm business is structured. You can register as an individual if you alone are running your farm business, or as an entity if you have a family business structure, employees or regular outside labor.
Visit your local service center with completed forms and an address/map of your farm to meet with FSA Staff and establish a Customer Record and Farm Record.
REQUIRED FORMS
Forms for a Successful Service Center Visit ?
Download and bring these forms with you to establish your customer record and begin accessing FSA programs. Completing these in advance will save significant time at your visit.
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