Farm Aid Debate Continues as Specialty Crop Funding Draws Scrutiny
Lawmakers debate additional farm aid as specialty crop producers push for more support beyond USDA’s $12B Farmer Bridge Assistance program.
Federal farm aid remains a major topic of discussion in Washington after a recently passed government funding measure did not include additional agricultural assistance. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already announced one-time Farmer Bridge Assistance funding for 2025 losses, farm organizations and lawmakers say more support is needed, particularly for specialty crop producers.
Under the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, about $12 billion in economic relief was announced for farmers impacted by rising costs and market challenges, including $11 billion in commodity payments and roughly $1 billion set aside for specialty crop and other non-row-crop producers. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Specialty crop producers account for a substantial share of U.S. agricultural value, yet many lack the same safety-net programs available to commodity crop growers. Because of this, farm groups argue that the current allocation does not fully cover the economic losses growers are facing from inflation, input costs, labor shortages, weather challenges and market disruptions.
Following the passage of the most recent federal funding package, which focused on government operations and did not include a separate supplemental farm aid bill, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and allied organizations have urged Congress to approve additional farm assistance. In statements and letters to federal leadership, groups representing row crop, specialty crop and soybean producers highlighted the need for more targeted economic support.
Lawmakers have publicly discussed proposals for a supplemental farm aid package that could exceed $15 billion, with the potential to provide expanded assistance beyond USDA’s bridge program. Bipartisan leadership from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees has indicated interest in negotiating additional aid, which could include increased support for specialty crops and forestry.
As policy debate continues, stakeholders across U.S. agriculture are watching how Congress will respond to these calls for expanded economic relief. The outcome will be a key factor in the sustainability of many farm operations across the country.
References
Holland & Knight. USDA releases details of long-awaited farm aid package.
Agri-Pulse. Thompson: Farm aid package could top $15B, including $5B for specialty crops.
Agriculture.com. Lawmakers eye at least $15 billion more in farmer aid.
