USDA reduces red tape for farmers

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue applauded the removal of a burdensome regulation that has long plagued family farms. The rule requiring producers to obtain Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) numbers to participate in USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs has been eliminated. Congress included this repeal in the FY 2018 omnibus spending package. USDA’s official regulatory change was published in the Federal Register May 18. “I’m pleased Congress helped us to achieve one of our regulatory goals of cutting red tape for producers utilizing conservation programs by exempting them from SAM and DUNS requirements,” Perdue said. “These numbers were designed for billion-dollar government contractors, not everyday farmers trying to support their families. These changes help streamline the customer experience for farmers, which is a top priority at USDA.” Prior to this rule change in the 2018 omnibus spending bill, DUNS and SAM numbers were required for any federal contract application. DUNS and SAM registration is still required for some programs. To learn more about NRCS financial and technical assistance, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov. — WLJ