Agency signals limits to further support
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated it is not considering additional farm aid beyond the recently announced $12 billion assistance package aimed at supporting farmers facing difficult economic conditions. Richard Fordyce, the agency’s under secretary for farm production and conservation, said funding constraints are a key reason why further measures are not currently on the table.
The announcement comes as farmers continue to grapple with low crop prices, elevated costs for inputs such as fertilizer, and the lingering effects of trade tensions that have reduced exports of certain agricultural products. While the aid package has been welcomed, many producers have warned it will not be sufficient to fully offset losses or stabilize the broader farm economy.
Farm losses remain substantial
According to an estimate from North Dakota State University, farm losses this year could reach as much as $44 billion. Fordyce acknowledged that the aid would fall short of covering the full extent of the damage but stressed that the department has limited options under current budget conditions.
“At this point, we feel like we’ve kind of done what we can do,” Fordyce said, adding that while future conditions remain uncertain, no additional assistance is being planned at this stage.
A stopgap until new policy takes effect
Officials from the Trump administration have previously described the aid as a temporary measure designed to bridge the gap until new farm support mechanisms come into force under upcoming tax and spending legislation. These changes are expected to include higher reference prices for certain crops, which could provide more structural support to farm incomes.
The current program allocates $11 billion to row crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat, reflecting their central role in U.S. agriculture and export markets.
Uncertainty around specialty crop payments
An additional $1 billion has been earmarked for fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops, though the USDA has not yet finalized how those funds will be distributed. Fordyce said the agency is gathering data and seeking input from farmers to determine the most effective approach.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has previously stated that aid payments are expected to be disbursed by February 28, providing some near-term relief even as longer-term challenges persist.
