Alabama farmers will start receiving critical farm aid by the end of February, thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. 

These one-time payments were announced in late 2025. The program includes $11 billion for row crop farmers, promised aid that allowed hard-hit producers to meet with lenders and make plans for the next crop year. USDA is evaluating how to distribute an additional $1 billion for specialty crop producers negatively impacted by trade disputes.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised the announcement by President Donald J. Trump.

“This is yet another demonstration of President Trump’s commitment to the American farmer,” said Parnell. “As he works to level the playing field for U.S. agriculture on the world market, these relief payments will help farmers weather the storm of low commodity prices brought about by the Biden Administration’s neglect of international trade for four years.”

This aid package followed Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and disaster payments issued earlier in 2025 and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The latter included updates farmers sought in a long overdue farm bill. These go into effect in 2026.

“We appreciate President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins delivering on their commitment to strengthen American agriculture,” Parnell said. “We’re confident the trade deals negotiated by this administration will restore the positive trade balance our farmers have historically provided. We thank President Trump for helping ensure they can plant another crop in 2026.”

Bessent said payments will help bridge the gap for farmers as economic conditions improve.

“These direct payments will give producers the breathing room they need to market this year’s harvest and plan for next season,” he said. “Thanks to the administration’s pro-growth policies, input costs like fuel and fertilizer are easing…. Interest rates are coming down, helping farmers prepare for the next harvest.”