Trump announces new aid that will distribute $12 billion in the U.S.: who will have access
The USDA outlines which farmers qualify for the $12 billion relief package as the Trump administration targets rising costs and trade pressures.
The U.S. government has unveiled a new aid package that will distribute $12 billion to American farmers, including $11 billion for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, known as FBA.
According to the Trump administration, the fund was created in response to what it calls temporary trade market disruptions and soaring production costs. Officials argue these pressures stem from what they describe as the disastrous policies of the Biden administration, which they say led to record input prices and a lack of new trade agreements.
USDA will make $12 billion available in one time bridge payments intended in part to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including reference prices which are set to increase between 10-21% for major covered commodities such as soybeans,… pic.twitter.com/ufQxDECV1Z
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) December 8, 2025
These payments are intended to help farmers until the measures included in legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill take effect. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the program acts as a bridge toward improvements the president and congressional Republicans have advanced. She added that supporting farmers is essential because, without a secure food supply, the country cannot thrive. Rollins said the initiative will give producers stronger price protection tools and more reliable fair trade agreements so they are not forced to rely on large ad hoc government aid packages.
Who will receive the aid
Up to $11 billion will go to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. The program provides broad relief to U.S. row crop farmers who grow barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame and sunflower.
Farmers who qualify can receive payments before Feb. 28, 2026. The Agriculture Department noted that eligible producers must ensure their 2025 acreage reports are complete and accurate before 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 19, 2025. USDA also said commodity-specific payment rates will be released later this month.
Aid for crops not covered under FBA
The remaining $1 billion will be reserved for commodities not included in the FBA program, which covers specialty crops and sugar. USDA said details and a payment timeline are still being finalized.
Producers can request more information by emailing farmerbridge@usda.gov.
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