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One Farmer, One File progressing

The deputy secretary of the USDA says the agency is moving full speed ahead on its One Farmer, One File initiative.

Stephen Vaden tells Brownfield, “We’re seeking to drag this department into the 21st century and update our computer systems so that farmers can do more business with USDA without having to leave their farms, just like they do with every other commercial entity with which they have a relationship.”

He says the modernization effort is a priority at all the department’s agencies.

“I have provided to the Congress an example through a beta program of what farmers will soon be dealing with in terms of the technology interface and how they’ll be able to do many of the things that require in-person visits from their home computer,” he says.

Vaden says the combining of separate databases is also set to increase agency efficiency and response time to producers.  The USDA has targeted full integration by 2028.

AUDIO: Stephen Vaden – USDA