Trump's Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Gets Praise

Leaders in Washington, Agriculture, offering words of praise to the new program.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today highlighted the outpouring of support from governors, commodity groups, farm bureaus, and agriculture industry leaders across the country following President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments. As producers battle historic market disruptions, rising input costs, and the lingering effects of foreign trade manipulation, agriculture leaders are praising the administration’s swift action to deliver relief and strengthen the farm safety net. Below is a compilation of what they are saying about this critical support for America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are building a bridge from the stagnation and decline our farmers endured to the growth, prosperity, and global dominance they deserve. Joe Biden broke the agricultural economy, and President Trump is fixing it,” said Secretary Rollins. “This bridge assistance is a lifeline for producers who have weathered years of international malaise, unfair market disruptions, and rising costs, and it marks another step toward ushering in a new golden age of American agriculture. There is more to do, and every day we are working tirelessly for the farmers and ranchers who feed and fuel this great nation.”

CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS

House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-PA“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.”

Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-AR“Delivering this farm assistance will bridge the gap until farmers realize the benefits of the recent trade deals and the One Big Beautiful Bill that will provide the certainty they need. This announcement provides much needed relief to rural America. My colleagues and I remain focused on the state of farm country and are prepared to pursue additional steps to ensure a strong future for farm families.”

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-NE“Today’s farm assistance package is welcome news as we work to get the farm economy back on track. I look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to expand trade opportunities that will create strong markets for Nebraska’s ag products.”

Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND“Between China targeting our producers, rising input costs and other challenges, our producers are really going through a tough stretch. That’s why we’ve been working with the Trump administration to advance agriculture assistance to serve as a bridge to the improvements we made to crop insurance, ARC and PLC in the One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Senator Hoeven. “This assistance will not only help our producers in the short-term but will ensure they aren’t used as leverage as the administration continues to negotiate for more markets and better long-term trade agreements. We appreciate President Trump, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Bessent for their work on this and will continue working to help our producers through this tough stretch.”

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-MS“Too many of our farmers are operating on the brink of bankruptcy. Many will not be able to satisfy their current debt and be able to secure financing for next year’s crop without a strong form of federal bridge support to get them to next year. So, this aid package could not come soon enough,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “The Trump administration deserves credit for moving swiftly and decisively to use the resources Congress provided in the deal to end the government shutdown to make these resources available to combat what amounts to an economic disaster for our ag sector,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “I encourage producers in Mississippi and their lenders to look at the details of these bridge payments to determine what’s best for their continued operation.” Hyde-Smith said Congress should still be working on more long-term solutions to help the American agricultural sector complete globally while managing other economic headwinds like inflation and high input costs. “We still have important work ahead of us, and there are a lot of promising ideas for strengthening the ag sector over the long haul. I believe Congress can work on a package that includes innovative measures, like my Buying American Cotton Act, that can put our farmers on more solid footing for the future.”

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS“President Trump is ensuring our great farmers get quick relief as our new trade deals and renewed market-access efforts take hold,” said Senator Marshall. “After years of crippling tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and soaring inflation under the disastrous Biden Administration – which failed to enforce past agreements, drove input prices to record highs, and delivered zero new deals – this bridge support is vital to help farmers gear up for next season across Kansas and the nation.”

Sen. Jim Justice, R-WV“Another great move by @POTUS and @SecRollins to support farmers. This assistance is crucial for farmers while the President continues to fight for a level playing field and better foreign market access. Farmers should reach out to their @USDAFSA office for more info.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-IA“Farmer aid announced at the White House 2day is welcome news 4 family farmers who feed+fuel the world Cong+Trump admin will continue working 2 bring down high input costs like fertilizer & increase market access.”

Sen. John Thune, R-SD“I appreciate President Trump and his administration’s commitment to deliver critical support to America’s farmers. South Dakota producers have been facing a strained agriculture economy, but through it all, they continue to persevere. Today’s announcement is a strong step forward, and I appreciate the administration’s willingness to continue supporting farm country as it implements the ag investments made in the Working Families Tax Cuts package.”

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS“Years of drought, high input costs and trade uncertainty have created economic hardships for American farmers,” said Senator Moran. “This package is a necessity that will help farmers weather the current uncertainty while the administration works to increase markets for farmers to sell their crops. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee and with the administration to make certain we are providing farmers and ranchers with the resources they need to continue feeding, fueling and clothing the world, and maintaining their businesses and livelihoods.”

Rep. Mark Alford, R-MO-04“We strongly support the Trump Administration’s efforts to provide direct financial assistance to our nation’s farmers as we called for this fall,” said Congressman Alford. “As the farm economy continues to grapple with years of devastation—primarily driven by the previous administration’s war on fossil fuels and inflationary policies—this aid will be a vital lifeline to help Missouri producers make ends meet. The newly created Farmer Bridge Assistance program will deliver much needed certainty as they market this year’s harvest and prepare to plant the next season’s crop. My office stands ready to help farmers in the Fourth District access this critical assistance.”

Rep. Austin Soctt, R-GA-08“I want to commend @POTUS & @SecRollins for their announcement today of $11 billion in economic assistance to our farmers. I look forward to continuing to work with them in support of America’s farmers.”

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK-03“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.”

Rep. Rick Crawford, R-AR-01“Thank you President Trump for listening to America’s farmers and taking decisive action to provide some immediate relief. This emergency aid package in conjunction with the relief measures Republicans passed in the Tax Cuts for Working Families Act and my Bridge the Gap bill will help ease the burden a bit on Arkansas’ farmers. Our nation’s farmers play an integral role in Americans’ daily lives, responsible for feeding and fueling our world. They should take some comfort knowing they have a President fighting for them.”

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-CA-01“I appreciate the Trump Administration for taking important action to protect farm country,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “American agriculture is faced with skyrocketing input prices and rising labor costs and is in much need of assistance. This year we achieved monumental successes for farming via H.R 1. We increased the Death Tax exemption so that family farms can stay in families. We achieved wins in the Farm Bill like crop insurance reforms and updated reference prices. Importantly, passage of the Secure Rural Schools act is on the horizon as well. However, there is still more work to be done. I am actively working to ensure that all Northern California commodities receive support. Food security is national security, and specialty crops, which have been heavily affected by trade actions, must be included in any future relief efforts. I am committed to working with the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins to make that a reality.”

Rep. Mike Bost, R-IL-12“President Trump’s announcement today of $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to support America’s farmers is welcome news for Southern Illinois. After years of soaring input costs, unstable markets, and zero new trade deals under the Biden–Harris administration, the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program will provide real, timely relief to producers who have been stretched thin through the years. Our farmers feed and fuel this nation, and I’m grateful President Trump is taking decisive action to rebuild the farm economy and make rural America great again.”

Rep. Jim Baird, R-IN-04“President Trump and his administration have made it clear that they will put American farmers first. Previously, our farmers and producers were struggling under unfair trade practices and rising input costs as a result of Biden’s inflationary agenda. This historic investment will provide much-needed economic relief until farmers can benefit from the upcoming increase in reference prices passed in the Working Families Tax Cuts. I was proud to see that one of my constituents, Tyler Everett of Everett Family Farms, joined President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Bessent for this historic announcement that will help fix our great ag economy. I thank the president, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Bessent for their continued efforts to ensure our farmers thrive and to create a more level playing field on the world stage.”

Rep. Tracey Mann, R-KS-01“American agriculture has no stronger champion than President Trump,” said Rep. Mann. “After four years of President Biden being asleep at the wheel with no trade deals, no positive news for farmers, and a Department of Agriculture hyper focused on Green New Deal policies, our farm economy struggled with record-high input costs and warped global markets. President Trump is bridging the gap from four years of chaos into a new golden age for American agriculture. Thank you, President Trump, for standing with our nation's farmers and for giving them much-needed relief as they plan for the year ahead.”

Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA-04“President Trump is an incredible friend to Iowa farmers, and today’s announcement of immediate farm relief is welcome news for Iowa agriculture. Under the Biden administration, we had a massive agricultural trade deficit and skyrocketing inflation, which is still taking its toll on our commodity markets. This relief will help bridge the gap between Biden’s failures and President Trump’s work to invest in rural Iowa and support agriculture, which I helped lead through the Working Families Tax Cuts,” said Rep. Feenstra. “President Trump’s historic work securing beneficial and fair-trade deals for Iowa agriculture will level the playing field, produce economic gains for our producers, and strengthen the farm economy. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to support our farmers, lower inputs costs, and open new export markets for agriculture.”

Rep. Mary Miller, R-IL-15“American farmers are the backbone of our economy. President Trump is ENDING Biden's insane “environmental” regulations that drive up the cost of tractors, farm equipment, and ultimately our groceries. Lower costs for farmers mean lower costs for American families!”

Rep. Barry Moore, R-AL-01“Thank you to @POTUS for his commitment to deliver much needed relief to our farmers to the tune of $12 billion. Our farmers have faced high costs and disastrous trade deals due to Joe Biden's failed administration, but President Trump is rebuilding our nation's farm economy!” “Thank you to @POTUS for ending the extreme regulations implemented by the Biden Administration that raised the cost of farm equipment and ultimately cost the American people more at the grocery store!”

Rep. Brad Finstad, R-MN-01“Thanks to President Trump for securing $12 billion in relief for our hardworking farmers as they return from four years of President Biden turning his back on farm country. In Congress, I’ll continue to work toward solutions that expand markets, lower input costs, and deliver common sense solutions so farmers can keep growing, producing, and feeding America.”

Rep. John Rose, R-TN-06“@POTUS and @SecRollins are taking tariff money from overseas and investing $12 BILLION back into U.S. agriculture. That’s what it looks like when you put America’s farmers FIRST.”

Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-TX-13“THANK YOU @POTUS for standing with America’s farmers! This is a big WIN for the folks who feed and clothe this country. Our farmers have faced sky-high costs and broken markets under Joe Biden. This targeted relief is real AMERICA FIRST leadership in action.”

Rep. Zach Nunn, R-IA-03“Today's announcement is a strong step forward for Iowa agriculture, or as an Iowa farmer put it, Christmas has come early for Iowa producers. But the work isn't done. I'm proud to lead on bipartisan, commonsense efforts to: Deliver year-round E-15 and boost Iowa biofuels, keep family farming in family hands, ensure blue-state mandates stay out of Iowa.”

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-WA-04“Farmers across the United States, including in Central Washington, are reaching a breaking point because of supply chain issues, high input costs, and uncertainty around foreign market access. While this announcement primarily benefits row crop producers, other specialty crop growers will need additional assistance as they struggle to make ends meet due to continued high labor costs," said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, "I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins for rolling out a bridge to get farmers and ranchers through lean times. I know they understand, as I do, that producers would prefer market certainty over direct payments from the federal government. I look forward to continuing working with this Administration to lower labor costs, reduce regulatory burdens, implement the agriculture provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut, and ensure American farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to make it to the next growing season.”

Rep. Mark Messmer, R-IN-08“Thank you @POTUS and @USDA for standing for Hoosier producers. This investment honors our farmers for their hard work and ensures that they can continue to lead the world in agriculture.”

Rep. Dave Taylor, R-OH-02“With this relief and Republicans’ work in the Working Families Tax Cuts, President Trump is standing firm with our farm families. I applaud President Trump’s efforts to eliminate regulations, create new markets, and help businesses weather the storm created by the Biden Administration.”

STATE AGRICULTURE LEADERS

Kim Reynolds, Iowa Governor“Thank you to President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins for delivering this crucial support to farm families and for your continued work to expand market access and create competition in input markets.”

Bill Lee, Tennessee Governor“Our office has interacted with farmers in this state in order to advocate with the federal government for relief,” said Governor Lee. “It’s a hard time, and you need to know that your elected officials understand that and are doing their best to navigate that in a way that’s gonna continue to help our industry.”

Glenn Youngkin, Commonwealth of Virginia Governor“Help is on the way to Virginia’s and America’s farmers — $12 billion of help. The newly announced bridge payment program will deliver relief to producers who have faced market disruptions and high input costs. Through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, Virginia row-crop farmers — including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, peanuts, barley, and more — will receive proportional support based on 2025 losses. I encourage producers to ensure their acreage reports are accurate by December 19 so they can receive payments by February 28, 2026. Thank you, President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and USDA, for standing with the men and women who feed the Commonwealth and the Country.”

Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner“With the massive agricultural trade deficit left behind by the Biden Administration, sharply rising input costs, and actions from foreign nations like China leaving key commodities such as soybeans unpurchased or undercut, our farmers have been left to shoulder the burden. Today’s announcement by the Trump administration of a $12 billion bridge payment for America’s farmers delivers real short-term relief. This bridge was built with the revenue brought into America from tariffs. President Trump has always stood with the men and women who feed and clothe this nation, and this program is yet another example of that unwavering support. Although this assistance was delayed by the Schumer shutdown, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and President Trump are now moving forward to help the people who fuel and feed our nation.”

Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture“Iowa farmers are being squeezed by low commodity prices and near-record high input costs, and these pressures ripple through our rural communities and entire economy. I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins providing some immediate, short-term relief as we work to strengthen trade relationships and expand markets at home and abroad. Let’s be clear: farmers want reliable markets for their products, not government aid. We urgently need to secure new, expanded, and fairer trade deals that grow market access for U.S. ag products around the globe, which the Administration has made a top priority. We also need Congress to pass a modernized Farm Bill, aggressively expand year-round nationwide access to E15, and address the root causes of historically high fertilizer costs. These steps would give much-needed certainty and stability to the agriculture community in Iowa and across the nation.”

Tyler J Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner“President Trump continues to deliver critical support for American farmers and producers. The Trump Administration’s farm aid package will ensure that Georgia farm families can get back on their feet and make it to next season, when President Trump’s farmer first policies will take full effect – revitalizing America's ag economy and restoring prosperity to rural America.”

FARM BUREAU LEADERS

Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation President“Farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm. Farmers have been hit from every direction during this economic storm — rising household and operating costs, while receiving historically low prices. 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.”

Eric Mayberry, Tennessee Farm Bureau President“We are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for announcing $12 billion in much-needed relief for farmers across the country facing an economic storm like none other. These bridge payments will help get our farmers back on their feet and ensure agriculture and family farms can thrive once again.”

Garrett Hawkins, Missouri Farm Bureau President“This bridge assistance program comes at a critical moment, as razor-thin margins and negative returns threaten producers’ ability to continue farming into next year. The financial strain in farm country is real, and the administration’s commitment to a bridge program will provide meaningful support as farmers make production and management decisions for the upcoming growing season. This announcement is an important step toward stabilizing the farm economy in the short term and addressing the broader challenges facing our producers.”

Randy Kron, Indiana Farm Bureau President“Indiana Farm Bureau is encouraged by President Trump’s aid package announcement, which comes at a time when margins are below breakeven, bankruptcies are rising, and profits will be scarce going into 2026. This support will help offset losses and provide a bridge until farm bill enhancements from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act go into effect. We’re hopeful this will help stabilize the farm economy, sustain rural communities, and maintain affordable food prices.”

Ben LaCross, Michigan Farm Bureau President“Michigan Farm Bureau appreciates President Trump and Secretary Rollins for taking our concerns about the state of the farm economy seriously. This bridge payment is a great first step in providing relief after a challenging year. We are encouraged by this first $11 billion in aid to row crop farmers and eagerly await further details on the additional $1 billion in aid to specialty crop growers. As the second most commodity diverse state we would like to offer our support and expertise in developing this program.”

Richard Fontenot, Louisiana Farm Bureau President“President Trump and Secretary Rollins have been steadfast in recognizing the extreme challenges facing agriculture and finding ways to meet them head-on. As we anticipate better days through trade deals and deregulation, their leadership to bridge this economic season through this assistance is critical for our industry. Louisiana farmers are extremely grateful.”

Russell Boening, Texas Farm Bureau President“Texas Farm Bureau applauds President Trump and his administration for taking decisive action. The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring agriculture remains strong and resilient in the face of unfair market disruptions and rising input costs. We appreciate being included at the White House for this announcement — a recognition of the vital role Texas farmers play.”

Scott Sink, Virginia Farm Bureau President“Virginia Farm Bureau welcomes USDA’s announcement of $12 billion in one‑time bridge payments to help producers manage ongoing market disruptions and elevated input costs. This timely relief will give Virginia’s farmers greater certainty as they plan for 2026 and will help stabilize operations and support rural communities.

Larry Reagan, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau President“NMF&LB is grateful for the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Payments and recognizes the critical assistance they will provide to producers. However, New Mexico has a significant number of acres in specialty crops that continue to face extreme economic pressures and negative margins. We are concerned that the amount allocated for specialty crops may not be sufficient to provide the bridge support these farmers need as they plan for next year’s growing season.”

ValJay Rigby, Utah Farm Bureau Federation President“America’s farmers continue to face intense financial pressure—from rising input costs to higher household expenses. Utah’s farmers and ranchers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for support like this, which helps stabilize their businesses and plan for the future,” said President of the Utah Farm Bureau, ValJay Rigby. “Farmers and ranchers in Utah appreciate the leadership shown in delivering resources that keep our agricultural communities strong. This assistance provides immediate relief and helps ensure we can continue supplying safe, reliable, and abundant food to families nationwide.”

Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation President“Today’s announcement is yet another demonstration of President Trump’s commitment to the American farmer,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “As he works to level the playing field for U.S. agriculture on the world market, these relief payments will help farmers weather the storm of low commodity prices brought about by the Biden Administration’s neglect of international trade for four years.”

Nicole Rolf, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Montana Farm Bureau Federation“We’ve been asking for help for farmers to get through to next year. Twelve billion dollars will help them get through,” Rolf said, until government payouts to farmers included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed earlier this year kick in. Rolf also said she was pleased that “all of Montana’s major [crops],” which include wheat, barley and lentils, were included in the program.”

COMMODITY GROUPS & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO“NASDA thanks USDA, the Administration, and congressional agriculture leadership for their actions and support in bringing forward this much needed monetary relief for America’s row crop and specialty crop farmers. It comes at a crucial time. NASDA also calls on the Administration and Congress to work together on trade and policy solutions that ensure all farmers and ranchers can thrive, supporting our safe and affordable food, feed, fiber, and fuel supply. NASDA and its members are ready to assist our government leaders in this effort.”

American Soybean Association“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.”

Luther Markwart, American Sugarbeet Growers Association CEO and EVP & Cassie Bladow, U.S. Beet Sugar Association CEO“We applaud President Trump’s announcement on the bridge payment for farmers. It is another critical step to putting America’s Farmers First and ensuring a revitalization of rural America. We are grateful that Secretary Rollins’ press release noted that sugar would be included in the $1 billion set-aside.”

Jamie Brown, U.S. Peanut Federation Chairman“Following years of financial strain for peanut farmers, we are grateful for the Trump Administration’s efforts to identify options for relief. This new economic assistance package will ensure our industry can continue to operate under a struggling farm economy. We thank President Trump and Secretary Rollins for listening to the voices of production agriculture.”

National Corn Growers Association“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.”

National Sorghum Producers“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. This support through the FBA [Farm Bridge Assistance] 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.”

Eric Hover, US Rice Producers Association Chairman“The US Rice Producers Association thanks the Administration for its leadership and continued support. USDA’s bridge aid will enable many farmers to plant next season who otherwise could not. We appreciate the Administration’s recognition that our farmers’ livelihoods are vital to rural communities and to America’s position as a global trade leader. Our producer-leaders look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Rollins and her team to strengthen American agriculture at home and abroad.”

Fred Zaunbrecher, USA Rice Farmers Board Chairman“USA Rice appreciates the many months of work by the Administration and thought that went into developing the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and recognizing that rice farmers have been in trouble since before they even put their seed in the ground this year. Our economic difficulties were not caused by President Trump’s trade actions but by years of the U.S. and other governments turning their heads with regard to India, Thailand, China, and Vietnam’s over-subsidization and global market price suppression.”

ADDITIONAL FARMERS & AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS

Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO“Today’s announcement is welcome news to farm families. This move builds on the administration’s commitment to American agriculture, including support for higher biofuel blends like E15 and a strong Renewable Fuel Standard. Taken together, these efforts serve as powerful economic drivers for rural America.”

Kip Eideberg, Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President“Equipment manufacturers are grateful for President Trump and Secretary Rollins’ leadership to negotiate new trade deals, open new export markets, and boost the farm safety net. USDA’s new $12 billion economic assistance package is a strong and decisive step toward delivering much-needed relief. This program will help farmers weather the storm until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act take effect next year.”

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Vice President of Federal Affairs“We applaud the administration’s support for American farmers and actions to spur investments in rural manufacturing and jobs. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF production support over 100,000 American jobs and provide significant economic value to soybean growers. Finalizing strong Renewable Fuel Standards and 45Z clean fuel rules will continue to strengthen domestic markets and America’s energy resilience.”