Agriculture CIO transitions to role modernizing farmers’ records

The Agriculture Department’s top IT official is stepping down from his position to join an agency modernization initiative, a USDA spokesperson confirmed to Nextgov/FCW on Monday.

Chief Information Officer Sam Berry officially joined USDA last September, when he replaced longtime agency CIO Gary Washington. Berry previously served as an advisor at Agriculture for the cost-cutting — and controversial — Department of Government Efficiency. 

“Sam Berry has been a tremendous USDA CIO,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement. “He will now be assuming a new role at USDA where he will be focused on the implementation of One Farmer One File.”

USDA announced the technology modernization initiative in February, saying at the time that the effort is designed “to create a single, streamlined record that follows the farmer — no matter where they go in the USDA system.”

Agriculture subsequently announced a $300 million agreement with Palantir in April to, in part, support the rollout of the One Farmer, One File initiative.

“Protecting America’s farmland is protecting America itself, and this work gives USDA the visibility and speed needed to safeguard our food supply,” Berry said in a statement about the partnership at the time. “Our farmers sustain this nation, and modern tools help us support them with greater precision. I look forward to working with Palantir as we continue serving the American farming community, which serves all of us every single day.”

Federal News Network reported on Sept. 8 that USDA chief information security officer Tony Brannum will serve as interim CIO. Agriculture did not disclose the nature of Berry’s new position with the One Farmer, One File initiative. The agency has reportedly been reaching out to other internal tech and IT officials in recent weeks about taking on roles with the initiative.