USDA Tweaks Farm Records Privacy Rules Slightly
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is updating its Farm Records system to include new info about foreign agricultural investments and more people involved. This change affects farmers and others connected to farm programs and adds new ways the USDA can use the data. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the updates go live—no extra costs involved, just clearer rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
AFIDA Records Added to Farm File
USDA is adding all records received, maintained, or generated under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) to the Farm Records File (Automated), USDA/FSA-2. This change expands who is covered to include persons who provide information under AFIDA, representatives of foreign persons, USDA employees administering AFIDA, and people alleged to be noncompliant.
AFIDA Reports Open to Public Inspection
Any report submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture under AFIDA will be available for public inspection at USDA in Washington, DC not later than 10 days after the Secretary receives the report, as required by 7 U.S.C. 3506. The routine use establishing this public inspection is being added to USDA/FSA-2.
USDA Will Share AFIDA Records with CFIUS Agencies
USDA will disclose AFIDA records to other federal agencies, including member agencies of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) such as Treasury, Homeland Security, Commerce, Defense, and State, for identifying, assessing, or addressing national-security risks related to foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.
AFIDA Data Stored and Searchable in Farm System
AFIDA records will be stored in the USDA/FSA-2 system in online databases and in USDA offices in Washington, DC, and records in the system may be retrieved by name, Social Security Number, tax identification number, loan number, or farm number. Records are maintained at FSA county offices, State offices, National office, and the USDA National Information Technology Center.
State and Local Agencies May Receive AFIDA Data
USDA may disclose AFIDA records to appropriate federal, State, Territorial, local, or Tribal agencies or other public authorities for the purpose of tracking, validating, or administering use of agricultural land within that agency's jurisdiction.
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