$8 Billion in Relief: Trump Pledges Aid to Farmers Struggling With Soaring Diesel Prices
Aid targets diesel cost pressures
Trump announced $8 billion in assistance for farmers affected by record diesel prices. Fuel is used to run agricultural machinery, adding to farmers’ financial pressures. He also said, “We love our farmers,” and pledged more funding if Republicans win. The USDA named the initiative the Harvest Fuel Relief program.
How payments will be calculated
The program will cover part of farmers’ estimated losses for the 2026 crop year. Payments will be determined through a standard formula. The calculation will draw on planted acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency, estimated production costs, and crop yields and prices in a USDA supply-and-demand report.
Rates and application preparation
The USDA said payment rates for major commodity crops will be announced in November. Details for other eligible products will come later. Crop insurance is not required to qualify. Farmers can prepare to apply by creating a Login.gov account connected to the USDA.
Diesel prices remain elevated
AAA data put diesel at $6.53 a gallon on Sept. 22, a record. Prices have since eased slightly to an average of $6.32 per gallon across the United States. That average remains higher than the $3.62 recorded a year earlier, underscoring the cost burden facing farmers.
Key points
- Trump announced $8 billion in aid for farmers facing record diesel prices.
- The Harvest Fuel Relief program covers part of estimated losses for the 2026 crop year.
- Diesel averaged $6.32 a gallon, compared with $3.62 a year earlier.
- The USDA plans to announce rates for major commodity crops in November.