Trump administration announces more than $15 billion in farm aid

The Trump administration has announced a farm-assistance package valued at more than $15 billion, led by up to $8 billion in one-time payments for eligible farmers facing high diesel costs and market disruptions during the 2026 crop year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the Harvest Fuel Relief Program will make payments to qualifying producers. Crop-specific payment rates are expected in November 2026, but officials have not established when farmers will receive the money. The $8 billion is the maximum amount available, not a sum already distributed. The broader package also includes at least $5 billion in federally guaranteed loans for agricultural, meat, poultry, seafood or fishing businesses; about $1.8 billion in conservation-program payments; $573 million for fertilizer manufacturing; $57 million to expand meat-processing capacity; and $86.6 million in specialty-crop grants. The USDA also plans up to $472.5 million in agricultural commodity purchases intended to support producers and supply charitable and food-assistance programs. Separately, the department plans about $13.8 billion in safety-net payments for eligible producers for the 2025 crop year. Those...