Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) receives many questions from people who are looking to purchase or have recently purchased farms in Kentucky. In this blog post we are highlighting some of the most frequently asked questions about registering for a farm serial number (FSN) with the Farm Service Agency Office (FSA).
What is a farm serial number (FSN)?
Just as a Social Security number is a unique identifier for a person, a farm serial number is a unique identifier for parcels of land, not to be confused with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) which is specific to the business operation. The farm number is used to identify the property when applying for grants, loans, and some governmental programs.
Why do I need one?
To apply for programs such as crop insurance, FSA farm loans, disaster assistance, and most recently, programs such as Pandemic Assistance for Producers and Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) you must have registered and received a farm serial number through their offices.
Applying for new programs will be easier as you will already be in their system. Be sure to join your local FSA’s mailing list so you can be one of the first to know when a new program is announced.
You have the ability to fill out the Census of Agriculture. The Ag Census is a direct data source that includes land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. It demonstrates the value of agriculture nationwide and can result in more resources and support for farms in Kentucky.
How do I get one?
Contact your local Farm Service Agency office to set up an appointment. You can find your local service center here. Due to COVID-19, not all service centers are open to walk in appointments. Be sure to call ahead.
Be sure to ask what documentation you need to bring. This could include proof of identity (driver's license, social security card, IRS EIN number), proof of farm ownership (copy of recorded deed) and/or Entity Identification Status (articles of incorporation, trust & estate documents, partnership agreement).
After FSA determines your eligibility to participate in FSA programs and loans, they will walk you through the application process.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has local service centers located in most Kentucky counties. These service centers administer all USDA farm programs through their Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices. The Farm Service Agency plays an important role in the agriculture sector as they implement agriculture policy, administer credit and loan programs and manage various farm programs nationwide.
If you have questions about the USDA Farm Service Agency and how to obtain a farm serial number, feel free to contact us at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info.