US administration pledges $15 billion to farmers ahead of midterms

The Trump administration has announced $15 billion in payments and initiatives for US agriculture producers in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections.

The USDA said more than half of the sum will fund an $8 billion one‑off payment scheme to offset soaring diesel costs, while $13.8 billion in safety‑net programme payments are earmarked for eligible producers for the 2025 crop year. Additional measures include at least $5 billion in guaranteed loans for ranchers and fishermen, $1.8 billion for landowners in conservation schemes, $573 million for fertilizer manufacturing projects and $57 million to expand meat processors.

Specialty crop producers will receive $86.6 million in grants for innovative projects, and the USDA plans to purchase up to $472.5 million of agricultural commodities for charitable distribution. Other actions involve expanding sales of off‑road diesel, improving transparency of cattle sale data and strengthening wolf‑management policies to protect livestock.

Farm experts note that the payments could cover recent fuel‑price spikes – diesel averaging $6.32 per gallon – and high fertilizer costs, but they warn the aid does not address longer‑term price pressures.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Mark Stebnicki / Pexels.