Eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners wishing to request their records from FSA to support their applications can continue to submit requests, and the agency will work to expedite records searches as quickly as possible. The prior deadline for these requests (September 6) has been extended to September 29.  

The DFAP application process was designed so that FSA records are not required, though relevant records may be attached to an application as additional evidence if they are available. Where possible, FSA has already provided digital records to the program administrators to assist them as they conduct the program. If you still wish to request records from FSA, the agency will search for records and provide copies of any relevant documents located in the search.

Due to the amount of time that may have passed, USDA recognizes that some records may no longer be in FSA’s possession. FSA follows government record retention schedules that indicate which farm records should be kept after a designated period of time. Even if no FSA records are available, you can provide other evidence to show you were a farmer or intended to farm and experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending. 

Records requests must be submitted in writing. This can be done by emailing [email protected] no later than Friday, September 29, 2023. If you do not have an email address, you can go to your local FSA office or call 1-800-721-0970 to receive information about where and how you can submit a request in writing. Details on information that should accompany your request are available at the link below.