Rollins Announces Plan To Streamline Data Collection

USDA says a new Data Modernization Plan will make life easier for farmers by cutting paperwork while improving the information upon which they rely.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the plan Tuesday, saying the Department will put farmers first by reducing duplicative reporting and using more modern technology. That includes expanding mobile access to surveys, using existing government data to reduce requests to producers, and testing satellite imagery and crop models to improve acreage and yield estimates.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our food and agricultural system, and USDA should respect their time while delivering the reliable information they need,” said Rollins. “This plan puts Farmers First by cutting burdensome red tape, using modern tools, and ensuring producers have a stronger voice in how USDA collects and reports agricultural data. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is bringing agricultural data collection into the 21st century while protecting the privacy and trust of the people we serve.”

USDA says better-connected computer systems could also provide farmers with more timely information for decisions involving crops, livestock, risk management and disaster assistance. The Department says it will protect producers’ privacy and give farmers more opportunities to weigh in on how agricultural data is collected and used.

“USDA’s agricultural statistics are only as strong as the trust and voluntary participation of America’s producers,” said Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. “By combining producer knowledge with sound science and modern technology, USDA can reduce the reporting burden while improving the quality of the information farmers and policymakers rely on. This plan will help ensure American agriculture remains productive and resilient for generations to come.”

Rollins said implementation begins immediately. Click Here to learn more about the Data Modernization Plan.