USDA Sets Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

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USDA Sets Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

On December 31, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins unveiled the payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA). This initiative, part of a broader $12 billion relief plan, aims to support American farmers in the upcoming 2026 planting season.

Details of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program marks a response to the challenging agricultural environment attributed to previous administration policies. Rollins emphasized the importance of these financial assessments, stating they will provide farmers with the certainty to secure their operations and plan ahead.

Farmers eligible for the program can expect to receive payments by February 28, 2026. These one-time payments are designed to assist farmers in maintaining their productivity as the government works towards enhancing market accessibility and stabilizing the agricultural economy.

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

The following per-acre payment rates are established for the eligible row crop commodities:

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

Program Eligibility and Application Process

Payments are calculated based on the 2025 planted acres, production costs, and supply-demand estimates. Eligible acres include those planted with double crops. However, prevent plant acres do not qualify for assistance.

All intended uses of row crops, except grazing and certain others, are eligible. While crop insurance linkage is not mandatory, USDA highly encourages producers to utilize the risk management tools available under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for better protection against volatility.

Specialty Crop Assistance

Of the $12 billion dedicated to this relief initiative, a portion, up to $1 billion, is allocated for specialty crops and sugar. Further details on these payments remain to be finalized as USDA assesses market trends and economic conditions.