In early September, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a Data Modernization Plan to improve the timeliness and accuracy of agricultural data collection.
“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,” Rollins said.
After issuing a request for information and conducting data modernization listening sessions across the country, USDA released a four-pillar Data Modernization Plan.
Pillars include modernizing the data reporting experience, enhancing acreage and yield estimation, integrating data and technology platforms, and expanding trust and transparency with producers.
USDA will expand the use of administrative data, improve mobile access to surveys and use prefilled information when appropriate.
USDA will also conduct a pilot to evaluate the use of satellite imagery, geospatial tools, crop models and other technologies to use in combination with producer-reported information about acreage and yield estimations.
The department will modernize its technology infrastructure, expand data-sharing capabilities and evaluate the use of tools like artificial intelligence.
Finally, USDA plans to improve communication about information privacy.
The plan was set to take effect immediately.
