(WASHINGTON) - Congress is considering more than $11 billion in additional assistance for American farmers struggling with higher production costs and low crop prices.
Total Federal Support Could Reach $55 Billion
The proposed funding would come on top of approximately $44 billion in federal farm payments already projected for 2026.
If approved, total direct government payments to farmers would reach approximately $55 billion this year.
Spread evenly among roughly 153 million individual taxpayers, that amount would equal about $360 per taxpayer. That figure is only an illustration of the overall cost. It does not mean each taxpayer would receive a separate $360 charge.
What The New Money Would Cover
The White House requested $10 billion for row-crop and specialty-crop farmers planting crops in 2026.
Another $1.1 billion would assist Florida farmers affected by winter storms in late 2025 and early 2026.
Why Farmers Say Help Is Needed
Farmers have faced higher fuel and fertilizer expenses, along with weak prices for several major crops.
Agricultural groups say the additional assistance would also support equipment dealers, suppliers and other rural businesses that depend on farm income.
Government Payments Could Make Up One-Third Of Farm Income
If the full request is approved, direct government payments are expected to account for approximately one-third of total U.S. net farm income in 2026.
That would be the highest share since 2001.
Supporters And Critics
Supporters say the money is needed to protect farms and rural communities during a difficult market.
Critics question whether another aid package is justified and note that federal payments often flow disproportionately to the nation's largest farming operations.
Analysts expect government assistance to decline if crop prices improve and production expenses ease.