President Trump, USDA Secretary Rollins, and Treasury Secretary Bessent announced that the administration will be providing $12 billion in assistance to farmers as they navigate difficult economic times. Ag groups reactions and comments are as follows:
Lucas on Economic Assistance for Farmers: “Trump never forgets our farmers”
Congressman Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after President Trump announced a $12 billion economic assistance package for American farmers. “Today’s timely announcement of economic assistance proves once again that President Trump never forgets our farmers. This much-needed relief will go a long way for the men and women who keep our country fed, and I know my fellow Oklahomans welcome this effort with open arms.”
Farmers Grateful for Help Through Economic Storm
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement to provide financial relief and an economic bridge for America’s farmers and ranchers until benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reach the farm. “Farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm. “America’s farmers have been hit from every direction during this economic storm. They face the same high prices as all of America’s families, as more of their income is going to household bills and higher operating costs, including loans, equipment and supplies. At the same time, farmers are receiving historically low prices for most major crops — they’re expected to lose $34 billion this year alone. “We appreciate that Congress addressed many economic challenges in legislation earlier this year, but many farm program improvements will not kick in until next year. The assistance announced today will make an immediate impact by providing a lifeline for farmers who work to ensure a healthy, safe and abundant food supply.”
Thompson Statement on Farm Aid
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced an economic assistance package for American producers: “I commend President Trump for standing by our hardworking producers who continue to struggle with distorted global markets and record-high production costs—legacies of the Biden Administration. The critical assistance announced today will help farmers obtain financing for 2026 and serve as a bridge to the long-term improvements to the farm safety net, which were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. I look forward to working with President Trump and Secretary Rollins on assessing any additional needs in farm country and continuing to support America’s farmers and ranchers as the Administration works to bring down costs, secure new trade deals, and ensure China lives up to its commitments.”
Ranking Member Angie Craig Statement on Trump’s Farm Aid Plan
Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s announced $11 billion farm aid plan. “Despite the administration’s repeated denials, farmers know that they experienced billions of dollars in losses for this past crop year thanks to the Trump administration’s crushing tariffs and trade war. While I am encouraged to see USDA acknowledge this fact, after two months of promises from the administration, I’m disappointed that the president can find $40 billion to bail out Argentina and its farmers but find far less to help Americans here at home. “This farm aid package picks winners and losers in the farm economy. It lacks the certainty farmers need. It will not reduce high operation costs. It will not bring U.S. agricultural exports back to pre-trade war levels. It also ignores that fact that the president’s tariffs are responsible for the immense financial strain felt not just by America’s farmers, but also working people, manufacturers, retailers and small businesses. All Americans are tired of the affordability crisis created by this administration and congressional Republicans. We will be right back here a year from now unless the administration changes its policies.” According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, American farmers have suffered increasing losses, including nearly $30 billion within the last crop year alone. USDA has canceled the scheduled publication of its Food Price Outlook for three months even as Americans face higher costs at grocery stores and tariffs inflate the cost of other everyday goods. This administration would rather bury the data than admit their policies are hurting Americans.
NCGA Statement on Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Announcement
In response, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: “We are appreciative of the Trump administration for developing a farmer bridge assistance program to account for the economic circumstances harming producers of crops across the nation. “While we await additional details to assess the impact that the farmer bridge assistance program will have on corn growers, we also need immediate market-based solutions. Congress can quickly take a first step in that direction by passing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation would expand access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round, increasing demand for corn for ethanol and saving consumers money at the pump. “We also encourage the administration to work as expeditiously as possible to secure new trade opportunities that will open foreign markets to corn and corn products.”
National Sorghum Producers thankful for USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance Program announcement
National Sorghum Producers today thanked the Trump Administration for announcing new emergency assistance for U.S. farmers through the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, emphasizing the support will provide timely and essential relief as producers continue to face financial pressure. While full program details are still forthcoming, this aid will help bridge growers into next year and offer needed certainty heading into the 2026 season. NSP board members Garrett Love and Barry Evans were honored to meet with the President in the White House Cabinet Room during today’s announcement. “It means a great deal that our challenges are being heard directly at the highest level. Today’s announcement reinforced how important this support is for farmers across the country, and I’m grateful for the Administration’s commitment to getting assistance out quickly,” said Evans, a sorghum farmer from Kress, Texas. “We appreciate the Administration’s recognition of the tough conditions farmers are navigating right now,” NSP Vice Chair Garrett Love, a sorghum grower from Montezuma, Kansas, said. “This support through the FBA Program will be vital for producers in the short term, and we are grateful it is moving quickly. Sorghum farmers are working hard to plan for next year, and this bridge will help keep operations steady as we transition into a new planting season.”
ASA Statement on $12B Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
Today, the American Soybean Association expressed gratitude to President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins as they announced a plan to provide much needed assistance to U.S. soybean farmers. The new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program will make targeted, one-time payments to row crop farmers as an “economic bridge” to the next planting season. This growing season, U.S. soybean farmers have faced a perfect storm of low crop prices, high production costs, and loss of markets. The FBA Program announced today will provide farmers with some financial assistance to help cover carried debt from the 2025 season. “We appreciate the administration’s attention to the challenges farmers continue to face in today’s market,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland, Kentucky farmer. “While we await additional details, we believe the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is a positive first step to restore certainty as soybean farmers market this year’s crop and plan for the 2026 planting season. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration on broader support for the farm economy, including long-term, market-driven solutions that strengthen demand for U.S. soy and allow farmers to compete and thrive in the global market.” ASA was also grateful to see farmer voices represented directly at today’s announcement. Lifetime ASA member and Indiana soybean farmer Tyler Everett participated in the roundtable at the White House. Secretary Rollins visited Everett’s farm in late October, and we appreciate the administration’s outreach and willingness to hear directly from soybean farmers who continue to navigate ongoing market pressures. ASA will continue to advocate for strong domestic and international markets while also working with Congress to ensure U.S. soybean farmers have the resources needed to make it to the 2026 planting season.
