By Andi Anderson
Indiana is developing a new online agriculture portal to help farmers, agribusinesses, and consumers easily connect with both state and federal agencies. This user-friendly platform aims to cut through confusing red tape and make government processes more accessible.
Governor Mike Braun signed House Enrolled Act 1149 in March, which directs the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to build and manage this “one-stop-shop” portal. It is expected to launch by 2026.
According to Braun, “This portal is part of my Freedom and Opportunity agriculture agenda. It will help Hoosier farmers navigate state and federal agencies and communicate better with the state government.”
The portal will allow users to find agricultural services, funding opportunities, and information all in one place. To ensure the portal meets actual needs, ISDA has launched a short, anonymous survey for farmers and others involved in agriculture. The survey takes just two minutes and will guide the portal’s features.
Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith praised the project, stating, “Indiana’s strength is built on the dedication of our farmers. This portal is a leap forward to ensure they have every tool to succeed.”
ISDA Director Don Lamb emphasized the importance of community input. “To create a product that will be useful, we must have input on what assistance is truly needed,” he said.
Once launched, the portal will serve as a central point for farmers to access timely updates, grants, and educational materials. It is designed to reduce delays and make life easier for those who grow our food.
With strong government support and farmer feedback, this ag portal will be an important tool for the future of agriculture in Indiana.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy