Statement on Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Announcement

President Trump, USDA Secretary Rollins, and Treasury Secretary Bessent announced today that the administration will be providing $12 billion in assistance to farmers as they navigate difficult economic times. Further specifics will come by the end of the year. The Michigan Corn Growers Association joined the National Corn Growers Association in releasing the following statement:

"We are appreciative of the Trump administration for developing a farmer bridge assistance program to account for the economic circumstances harming producers of crops across the nation.

"While we await additional details to assess the impact that the farmer bridge assistance program will have on corn growers, we also need immediate market-based solutions. Congress can quickly take a first step in that direction by passing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation would expand access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round, increasing demand for corn for ethanol and saving consumers money at the pump.

"We also encourage the administration to work as expeditiously as possible to secure new trade opportunities that will open foreign markets to corn and corn products."