U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Congress to approve more than $11 billion in additional financial assistance for American farmers grappling with rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the Iran war. The proposed package would add to the $12 billion already distributed this year, as farmers continue to face mounting production expenses, low crop prices, and economic pressure stemming from trade policies and geopolitical tensions.
According to the White House supplemental funding request, $10 billion of the proposed aid would support row and specialty crop farmers for crops planted in 2026, while the remaining $1.1 billion would be directed to Florida farmers affected by severe winter storms in late 2025 and early 2026. Farm organizations have welcomed the assistance but maintain that it will not fully offset the financial challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
If approved, total direct government payments to farmers in 2026 would reach an estimated $55.4 billion, accounting for roughly one-third of total U.S. farm income—the highest level of direct farm support since 2001. The aid proposal comes as Trump seeks to strengthen support among rural voters ahead of the November midterm elections, following recent polling that showed his approval rating among rural Americans has declined.
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