Congressional leaders are pressing for expanded federal farm assistance to help producers coping with low commodity prices, rising input costs and ongoing financial stress.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman and Agriculture Appropriations Chair John Hoeven said this week that the next funding package should build on the USDA’s $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance to stabilize rural economies through 2026.
The proposed expansion would broaden coverage to include prevent-plant acres, expand specialty crop aid and adjust loan limits, advocates said. Farm groups backed the proposal, noting that one-time payments help but don’t fully address long-term cash-flow challenges.
Critics argue Congress’ current funding package lacks dedicated additional farm aid, leaving producers vulnerable to credit constraints. The American Farm Bureau Federation called the absence of more support “shocking” amid sustained economic pressures.
Farm advocates said timely action is essential as planting season nears, with many producers still reeling from market disruptions and narrow profit margins.
