Trump Announces $8 Billion Relief for Farmers
Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 10:25 pm – 22 Oct 2026, 4:18 am AEST
President Trump announced a $8 billion aid program, the Harvest Fuel Relief program, for farmers impacted by soaring diesel prices. The program will use a formula based on acreage, production costs, and crop yields to provide support during the 2026 crop year.
What happened
- President Donald Trump announced a $8 billion aid package for farmers struggling with rising diesel prices.
- The Department of Agriculture launched the Harvest Fuel Relief program, intended to offset diesel costs during the 2026 crop year.
- The program will utilize a formula based on reported acreage, estimated production costs, and crop yields from the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the investment would "bring certainty to our farmers" to continue feeding the nation.
- Gbenga Ajilore, an economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, suggested that a resolution to the U.S. war with Iran would likely lower energy prices, while ending Trump’s tariffs could also alleviate price pressures.
- The USDA estimates net farm income will drop 2.6% this year due to rising production costs.
- Fuel and oil expenses are expected to increase nearly 30% according to a September forecast. T