Farm Numbers

Are you a farm?

If you're selling $1000 or more per year, then your land is likely to qualify as a farm in the eyes of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. You don't need acres of land. You don't need to own it. You can be growing seasonally. You can be part of a group who farms the land.

What is a farm number?

A farm number is a unique identifier the USDA assigns to the land itself, not to the farmer. It officially recognizes the land as a farm operation.

Who needs a farm number?

No one has to get a farm number, and some farmers prefer not to. Even without one urban farmers can access some USDA services, such as general information, workshops, and technical guidance. But getting a farm number opens the door to the full range of USDA programs.

With a farm number, a farm can apply for grants to support projects and infrastructure, participate in cost-share programs for soil, water, and conservation improvements, and obtain crop insurance to protect against loss. Farms can also become eligible for certain USDA loans for equipment, operations, or expansion, and access conservation assistance to manage land sustainably.

Having a farm number can help when applying for grants, leases, or partnerships with city agencies, nonprofits, or institutions that prefer working with recognized farms. And because a farm number is tied to the land, not the individual, eligibility for programs stays with the farm even if ownership or management changes. That helps ensure long-term stability for community or cooperative projects.

How do you get a number?

You need to talk to someone from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). They're usually located in a one of the USDA's Service Centers along with representatives of other USDA agencies -- to make one-stop-shopping easier. You can find the closest FSA office -- and other useful information -- at this site for urban growers:

Find your FSA office here: 

https://www.farmers.gov/your-business/urban-growers/urban-service-centers#locations