Fedorchak provides details on Harvest Fuel Relief program for American farmers

Bismarck, ND - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) applauded the announcement of the $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program to help North Dakota farmers manage rising input costs, including diesel, during harvest season. Funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the program will provide one-time payments to eligible producers for the 2026 crop year.

"Farmers have told me the sharp spike in diesel prices right during harvest threatens to wipe away any profit they might have made this year. This investment provides much-needed relief for North Dakota farm families during a challenging season," Fedorchak said. "I know North Dakota farmers want lower input costs, stronger commodity prices, and market certainty-not handouts from the federal government. Our long-term focus must be on expanding market access, strengthening domestic energy production, and building more American refineries and fertilizer plants to help our farmers compete and thrive."

The Harvest Fuel Relief Program will be administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), with payments calculated using reported planted acres, USDA production cost estimates, and projected yields and prices.

Additional program details include:

• Payment rates: Commodity-specific payment rates for Title I commodities will be announced in November, with additional eligible commodities to follow.
• Producer applications: Eligible producers with a Login.gov account linked to USDA will receive pre-filled online applications ahead of the application period.
• Additional commodities: Specialty crop growers, fishermen, and other non-Title I producers are encouraged to submit information about increased fuel costs to [email protected] to help USDA determine payment rates.

The program builds on recent improvements to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, which took effect this month, providing additional support for producers facing challenging market conditions.