10/19/2026
The Trump Administration announced a new $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program designed to provide financial assistance to agricultural producers facing higher fuel and other input costs during the 2026 crop year.
Although USDA has not yet released all program details, the following information has been announced:
What Producers Should Know
- One-Time Assistance: The program is intended to provide a one-time payment to help offset a portion of increased fuel expenses incurred during the 2026 crop year.
- Program Administration: Funding will come through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), with payments administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
- Payment Calculations: USDA is developing a payment formula using planted acreage reported to FSA and estimated production costs for individual commodities.
- Payment Rates: Rates for Title I commodities are expected to be announced in November 2026.
- Applications: Pre-filled applications for eligible Title I commodities are expected to become available in January 2027.
- Crop Insurance: Producers will not be required to carry crop insurance to qualify for assistance.
- Other Commodities: Additional information regarding eligibility and payment calculations for non-Title I commodities will be released at a later date.
While the final program structure has not been established, the Harvest Fuel Relief Program may follow a process similar to the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
ProAg Service & Insurance will continue to monitor USDA announcements and provide updates as additional program details become available.