Congressman Gabe Evans Urges Colorado Farmers to Apply for Newly Announced $12 Billion in Federal Relief

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) is urging farmers across Colorado District 8 to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) newly announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, which will provide $12 billion in one-time payments to American producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs that have been impacting farmers since the failed leadership of the Biden Administration. These payments will provide much-needed relief until the historic wins Rep. Evans helped deliver through the Working Families Tax Cut Act reach farmers.

The program, announced by President Trump alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, will deliver up to $11 billion in funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture directly to row-crop carters who are growing barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, mustard, sunflower, and other eligible crops. An additional $1 billion is being set aside to support farmers of non-covered and certain specialty crops.

Important Deadline Approaching

To qualify, farmers must ensure that their 2025 acreage reports are accurate and updated with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office by 5:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025.

No crop insurance linkage is required for this program.

Support for Specialty Crop Growers

Producers who grow commodities that are not listed, including specialty crops, may still qualify for assistance if they can demonstrate losses related to market disruptions or increased production costs.

Farmers who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to contact Congressman Evans' office for guidance.

How to Receive Assistance

Farmers should take the following steps:

• Visit your local FSA office and confirm your 2025 acreage report before December 19, 2025 at 5 PM.

• For questions or help determining eligibility, contact Congressman Evans' staff:

  • Martha Gallagher: [email protected]

  • Adrienne Sandoval: [email protected]

  • Phone: 202-225-5625

• Producers may also email USDA directly at [email protected]to submit questions or request a meeting.

Payments are expected to be released by February 28, 2026.

Farmers can find more information about the USDA announcement HERE.