President Donald Trump was expected to announce a $12 billion aid package on Monday afternoon. Administration officials told the AP that it will be a boost for farmers struggling to sell their crops due to a months-long trade war with China and many other overseas markets. Trump was expected to unveil the plan at a White House roundtable with Treasury and Agriculture Secretaries Scott Bessent and Brooke Rollins, as well as lawmakers and farmers who grow commodities like corn, soybeans, cotton, and many others.
Up to $11 billion is set aside for the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which the administration says will offer a one-time payment to farmers of row crops of all kinds. The rest will be for U.S. farmers growing crops not covered under the bridge assistance program. It’s to help offer certainty to farmers as they market the current harvest and plan for next year.
-NAFB