FARM NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS
Step by step instructions on how to complete the farm number form AD-2047,
https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/documents/farmersgov-form-ad-2047.pdf
USDA Instruction form is here https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eForms/instruction?FileType=RevisionInstruction&FileName=AD2047egov_10-28-21V03.pdf
You CAN email your documents because as have many others.
You must have a copy of your deed, lease, or land use agreement and EMAIL these documents to your county Farm Service Agency office.
Search for your local office here: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
A digital copy of your deed can be download from the County Court Clerk's office in the county of which you reside. If you have a hard copy then go get it scanned or scan it with your device. Make sure your documents are legible and clear.
Make sure your info is being sent to the correct county and that it is your COUNTY director and not the state director. This timestamps your contact with them and establishes a record of communication.
Remember to SIGN your document by either printing it out or digitally signing with your finger in MS Word or Adobe. You can also complete it on your computer so that all your info is clear and then print it to sign with wet ink. If you make a hard copy, just scan it and email, or take it to your local office. Email is quicker.
No growing requirements:
According to USDA You are no longer required to have sold $1000 worth of produce, nor are you required to complete any other paperwork to receive your farm number. Any other documents are for financial reporting and qualifying for NRCS or other agency services.
No land size requirements:
There is no minimum land size to get a farm number. Many growers operate in their back yard.
NEXT STEPS ONCE YOU APPLY FOR YOUR FARM NUMBER
NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is the next step after obtaining your farm number. This is the application for those programs (it's all on one form). https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/NRCS-CPA-1200%20Conservation%20Program%20Application_0.pdf
Contact your county NRCS office here https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center
This is a different office from FSA. This is the office you will be applying for CSP and EQIP in. You will be working with your "District Conservationist" (DC) to complete this application. Remember if you have been completing conservation practice for one year on your property, you qualify for CSP. EQIP does not have the 1 year requirement as is the program that has up to 90% financial assistance with obtaining a hoop house to extend your growing season. Info about these programs are here CSP - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/csp-conservation-stewardship-program
EQIP - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives
Apply for your farm number now and then apply for NRCS services. You can apply with NRCS before your farm number arrives. Just make sure that you have it before you get paid from NRCS.
BLACKAG INC
The database of BLACKAG that we are building is of the utmost importance. BLACKAG is not a membership organization but an advocacy and empowerment organization that gives you the tools you need to empower yourselves through the land that you have.
Join the database by clicking here:
BLACK WOMEN https://www.blackwomeninag.com/join-the-database
BLACK MEN https://blackmeninag.com/#ws-block-cover-with-contact-form-bg-image-3H32gw8h
APPEAL PROCESS INFO for USDA Programs
USDA NAD website - find your appropriate regional office
Regional Offices
Filing an appeal - e application
MASC information
Federal register https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-29017.pdf
Fact Sheet https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/FSA_MASC_FACTSHEET1_24c_0.pdf
Handbook https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/1-masc_r00_a01.pdf
Funding notice
For those that applied as a new producer, please read page two of your 1141 worksheet https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/FSA1141_241210V03.pdf
If you are filing an appeal regarding MASC, remember there is a large group that is filing collectively, and as advised by the director today, it is best to file as a group. Please be a part of this effort so we can be more effective.
Appeal Letter Template (Copy and paste the verbiage below and edit it on your computer)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
National Appeals Division
United States Department of Agriculture
[Address of your regional office]
Subject: Appeal of USDA (Program) Decision
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to formally appeal the decision made by the [USDA Agency Name] regarding [briefly describe the decision being appealed, including the date of the decision and any reference numbers]. I believe that this decision was made in error and respectfully request a review of my case.
Background and Reason for Appeal:
[Provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding your case. Include relevant dates, interactions with USDA officials, and any supporting details that demonstrate why the decision should be reconsidered. Attach any relevant documents as evidence.]
Supporting Evidence:
[List any documents or additional information that support your appeal, such as contracts, correspondence, regulations, or program guidelines that apply to your case.]
I appreciate your time and consideration of my appeal. Please let me know if any further information or documentation is required. I am willing to provide any additional details needed to support my case. You may contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] at your convenience.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature (if mailing a hard copy)]