USDA Announces $150 Million Assistance for Sugar Farmers

(Washington, D.C., February 20, 2026) – In a significant move to support American farmers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today revealed that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allocate $150 million in financial assistance aimed at sugar beet and sugar cane farmers. This initiative responds to recent market disruptions and escalating production and processing costs, providing much-needed relief to the agricultural sector.

This funding comes as an expansion of the previously established Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program and the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program, both designed to bolster producers’ financial stability as they prepare for the upcoming crop year.

USDA will collaborate with sugar processors in the ensuing months to finalize agreements that will ensure this assistance reaches farmer-members directly, facilitating a smoother process for recipients.

Support from Leadership

“President Trump is committed to standing by all of our great American farmers who were unjustly hurt by President Biden’s economic mismanagement that drove up the cost of inputs and the dereliction of global trade that impacted commodity markets,” Secretary Brooke Rollins stated. “Today’s announcement serves as a bridge to improvements President Trump and Republicans in Congress have made to the U.S. sugar program, including the first meaningful increase to sugar loan rates in 40 years.”

Disaster Aid for Sugar Beet Producers

In addition to the new assistance, USDA is also rolling out $89.1 million in weather-related disaster aid aimed at sugar beet producers adversely affected by excessive heat in 2024. This funding, made possible through the American Relief Act of 2025, will be administered via qualifying beet sugar cooperatives. Producers who are members of these cooperatives are encouraged to reach out for more information regarding the application process.

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