The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers to streamline the farm loan process.
More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application. Features include an electronic signature option. It also has the ability to attach supporting documents, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.
This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency to streamline its processes.
“Online services are commonplace in commercial lending, and with USDA Farm Service Agency’s new online loan application feature, it is now easier for producers to get the financing they need to start, expand, or maintain their farming and ranching operations,” says Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.
The online farm loan application replicates the support an applicant would get in person with an FSA Farm Loan Officer. It continues to provide one-on-one assistance as needed. This tool allows farmers to submit complete loan applications and reduce the number of incomplete and withdrawn applications.
Through a personalized dashboard, borrowers can track the progress of their loan application. Access it on farmers.gov or by completing FSA’s Loan Assistance Tool at farmers.gov/loan-assistance-tool.
To use the online loan application tool, producers must establish a USDA customer account and a USDA Level 2 eAuthentication (“eAuth”) account or a Login.gov account. Do that here: https://www.farmers.gov/account
For the initial stage, the online application tool is only available for producers who operate their farm as an individual. FSA is expanding the tools availability to married couples applying jointly and other legal entities in 2024.