Trump administration announces $8 billion in harvest fuel aid for farmers
President Donald Trump announced Monday that the Department of Agriculture will provide $8 billion in one-time aid to help U.S. farmers offset diesel costs during the 2026 harvest season.
Speaking at a rally in Kansas, Trump said the new Harvest Fuel Relief Program would support farmers facing record diesel prices. According to CBS News, the national average price of diesel is $6.32 a gallon, up from $3.62 a year ago, after reaching a record $6.53 on Sept. 22.
The USDA said payments will cover part of farmers’ estimated losses for the 2026 crop year. A standard formula will take into account planted acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency, estimated production costs, and USDA estimates for crop yields and prices. Payment rates for major commodity crops are expected to be announced in November, with details for other eligible products to follow. …