The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on October 19 a new Harvest Fuel Relief Program that will direct $8 billion in one-time payments to farmers wrangling with rising fuel costs and other on-farm financial strains.
The payments will be administered through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) using funding that has been authorized through the Commodity Credit Corporation. According to a release from USDA, the Harvest Fuel Relief payments will be administered using “a formula to cover a portion of modeled losses during the 2026 crop year,” which makes the payments similar to the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.
“This national loss average will be based on FSA-reported planted acres, Economic Research Service cost of production estimates, and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates yields and prices,” the USDA release reads.
National and regional cotton associations issued statements of appreciation in the wake of the USDA announcement.
“The NCC commends Secretary Rollins and the USDA for taking steps to provide timely assistance to producers as they navigate ongoing economic challenges,” said National Cotton Council Chairman Nathan Reed. “This assistance will provide important support to farm families as they complete the 2026 harvest and make plans for the coming crop year.”
The NCC statement also urged Congress to follow through on “earlier commitments of additional economic support.” Of note, the USDA went on to announce a major investment in domestic fertilizer manufacturing later in the week.
Similar to the one released by the NCC, the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) issued a statement of gratitude following the USDA Harvest Fuel Relief Program announcement.
“Compared to last year, farmers in Georgia and across the country are paying significantly more for fuel,” said GCC Chairman and cotton producer Bart Davis. “As we are currently harvesting, we don’t have the choice to cut costs by not running equipment. We’re appreciative to the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins for their effort to offset fuel increases when farmers need it most.”
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