Driving Efficiency in Farm Loan Delivery

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency 7 CFR Parts 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 766, 767, 768, 770, 772, 773, 774 [Docket No. FSA-2026-0463] RIN 0560-AI89 ( printed page 56741) AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is amending the Farm Loan Program (FLP) regulations to permanently implement the Application Fast Track (AFT) process, which expedites underwriting for certain direct loan applicants by using financial benchmarks and historical repayment data to identify applicants least likely to default. This rule also includes regulatory changes intended to improve program efficiency and support IT modernization efforts consisting of minor policy changes, clarifications, and technical corrections. These changes are part of FSA's ongoing effort to deliver farmer-focused programs in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. DATES: Effective date: October 1, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Henderson; telephone: (202) 720-5847; email: matthew.henderson2@usda.gov . Individuals who require alternative means of communication should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and text telephone users can initiate this call from any telephone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Background II. AFT Implementation III. IT Modernization IV. Other Regulatory Changes A. Minor Policy Changes Limite…