U.S. Agriculture Secretary Announces Significant Support for Farmers Through Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
(Washington, D.C., December 31, 2025) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, unveiled the next strides in the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA). This includes the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates as part of a larger $12 billion allocation aimed at American farmers in 2026. This initiative was initially highlighted earlier this month by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, with $11 billion specifically allocated for one-time FBA program payments. This response comes after four challenging years marked by what many consider detrimental policies of the Biden administration, which led to skyrocketing input and production costs, a lack of new trade agreements, and a neglect of rural communities across America.
“Putting Farmers First”
“President Trump made a commitment to bolster stability in the agricultural economy, allowing farmers to rely on these payment rates when planning for the upcoming planting season. Prioritizing farmers means providing tangible relief at critical times,” stated Secretary Rollins. “Farmers qualifying for the FBA Program can anticipate these payments appearing in their accounts by February 28, 2026. This one-time assistance offers farmers the necessary bridge to continue their essential contribution to feeding and clothing the nation and the world, while the Trump Administration focuses on expanding new markets and fortifying the agricultural safety net. We at USDA aim to streamline this process, allowing producers to focus on their core mission — feeding and fueling our nation.”
Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates
The following payment rates have been established for FBA-eligible commodities that have activated payments:
- Barley: $20.51
- Canola: $23.57
- Chickpeas (Large): $26.46
- Chickpeas (Small): $33.36
- Corn: $44.36
- Cotton: $117.35
- Flax: $8.05
- Lentils: $23.98
- Mustard: $23.21
- Oats: $81.75
- Peanuts: $55.65
- Peas: $19.60
- Rice: $132.89
- Safflower: $24.86
- Sesame: $13.68
- Sorghum: $48.11
- Soybeans: $30.88
- Sunflower: $17.32
- Wheat: $39.35
Eligibility and Application Details
Payments through the FBA are determined by the number of acres planted in 2025, utilizing data from the Economic Research Service on production costs as well as the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate Report. Notably, double-cropped acres, which include all initial and subsequently planted crops, qualify for this assistance, while prevent plant acres do not. All intended uses for row crops are eligible under the FBA, excluding grazing, volunteer stands, experimental crops, crops left standing, abandoned crops, and cover crops.
While crop insurance linkage is not a requirement, USDA strongly encourages producers to leverage the new risk management tools accessible under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Enhancements in federal crop insurance provided by OBBBA encompass expanded benefits for beginning farmers and ranchers, an increase in coverage options, and increased affordability for crop insurance.
Specialty Crop Support
Of the total $12 billion allocated by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, up to $11 billion is reserved for eligible row crop producers, while the remaining $1 billion is designated for specialty crops and sugar. Timelines for payments to producers in these categories are still being finalized, requiring a better understanding of market influences and economic necessities. Producers and stakeholders can direct their inquiries to farmerbridge@usda.gov.
Additional Resources
For further details regarding the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or connect with your local USDA FSA county office.
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