USDA Announces Loan Modernization Effort

(WASHINGTON, D.C., June 4, 2026) - Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching the transformation of over 130 loan and grant systems that support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities into one modern platform built for the 21st century. After reviewing capabilities and options, today the USDA is moving forward with the next step in Loan Modernization implementation to replace outdated and inefficient legacy systems.

"At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we are leveraging innovative technology to deliver faster, more secure services in alignment with the Secretary's vision for a modern and customer-focused USDA," said USDA Chief Information Officer Sam Berry. "In 2026, we're excited to transform our loan and grant systems to reduce processing time, advance our commitment to efficiency, and overall provide an outstanding experience to the citizens we serve."

"Under President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' Farmers First agenda, USDA's loan modernization effort marks a major step forward in how we better support access to financing for America's farmers and ranchers," said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce. "By giving producers the option to apply for a loan and work directly with our loan staff from any device, anywhere at any time, we are making our programs more accessible and more responsive to the realities of modern agriculture. This transformation strengthens our commitment to delivering reliable credit and customer-focused support in ways that fit the everyday lives of the producers who rely on us to help them meet their production agriculture goals."

"Our modernization effort has been the top priority at Rural Development because it represents such a major step forward in how we serve our customers," said Rural Development Acting Undersecretary Todd Lindsey. "Retiring outdated systems including some built in the 1960s, and moving away from paper-based applications means we are consolidating our technology platforms into a more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly experience. These improvements will streamline our processes, reduce burdens on applicants, and ensure our programs are easier to access for the people and communities we support."

With a single customer file, step-by-step intake and eligibility tools, and online payments, this modern platform will manage 1.2 million current active files all in one place, enabling employees to deliver faster service to customers and lending partners. By removing outdated hurdles and accelerating secure USDA services, farmers and rural communities can continue to thrive and succeed.

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