Donald Trump has announced an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief programme for US farmers facing record diesel costs during the 2026 harvest season.
Speaking at a rally in Kansas on Monday night, the president said the Department of Agriculture would provide support to offset fuel expenses. “When Republicans win, we will pass even more funding for our farmers. We love our farmers,” he added.
The USDA said payments would cover part of farmers’ estimated losses for the 2026 crop year, based on a standard calculation. It will take into account acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency, estimated production costs, and crop yields and prices from the department’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.
Payment rates for major commodity crops are due to be announced in November, with details for other eligible products to follow. Farmers will not need crop insurance to qualify, although they can prepare to apply by creating a Login.gov account linked to the USDA.
“This $8 billion investment will help bring certainty to our farmers during this harvest so they can continue to feed our nation,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.
Diesel, which is used to operate agricultural machinery, reached a record $6.53 a gallon on September 22. Prices have since eased slightly to about $6.32 a gallon, but remain about 75 per cent higher than a year earlier, according to AAA data.
Earlier this month, Mr Trump signed an executive order easing restrictions on the tax-free use of red-dyed diesel, in a move intended to reduce costs for farmers and truckers. His administration also announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers in December.
The USDA estimates that net farm income will fall by 2.6 per cent this year as production costs rise by 4.5 per cent. Fuel and oil expenses alone are forecast to increase by nearly 30 per cent.
