WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun replacing more than 130 loan and grant systems with a unified digital platform, a modernization effort that could affect financing and program administration for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities nationwide.
The initiative targets a network of aging systems that support USDA lending and grant programs, including some technology dating back decades. The agency said the new platform is intended to reduce processing times, improve customer access, and consolidate operations across multiple programs.
USDA manages approximately 1.2 million active loan and grant files. Under the new system, those records will be housed within a single platform featuring a unified customer file, online payment capabilities, and digital eligibility and application tools.
The modernization effort is part of a broader push to digitize USDA services and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.
Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce said the changes will allow producers to apply for loans and interact with USDA loan staff remotely through online tools.
“By giving producers the option to apply for a loan and work directly with our loan staff from any device, anywhere at any time, we are making our programs more accessible and more responsive to the realities of modern agriculture,” Fordyce said.
The agency said consolidating systems is expected to improve service delivery for borrowers, lending partners, and USDA employees by reducing administrative complexity and accelerating application processing.
Rural Development Acting Undersecretary Todd Lindsey noted that the effort will retire multiple legacy systems, including some originally developed in the 1960s.
“Moving away from paper-based applications means we are consolidating our technology platforms into a more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly experience,” Lindsey said.
USDA Chief Information Officer Sam Berry said the modernization project is intended to improve security, efficiency, and customer service while replacing outdated infrastructure.
The department did not provide a timeline for completing the transition but said implementation work has begun following a review of available modernization options and system capabilities.
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