Senator Collins Announces Maine Farmers, Fishermen and Lobstermen to Benefit from $8 Billion Agricultural Relief Package

Senator Collins worked with the White House and Secretary Brooke Rollins to include fishermen and lobstermen in the relief package

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Maine's farmers, fishermen, and lobstermen will benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program, designed to help producers struggling with the high cost of diesel. Senator Collins worked directly with the White House and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to advocate for Maine's fishing and agriculture industries, which have faced significant financial pressures due to rising fuel costs and other increased operating expenses.

"The rising cost of fuel and other inputs has placed significant financial strain on hardworking farmers, fishermen, lobstermen, and their families. After speaking with both the White House and Secretary Rollins, I am pleased to have been assured that Maine fishermen and lobstermen will benefit from the Administration's new agricultural relief package," said Senator Collins. "I will continue advocating for Maine's fishermen, lobstermen, and specialty crop growers, who are integral to our state's heritage, economy, and way of life, to ensure they receive the support they need to overcome these challenges."

The new program will provide $8 billion in one-time payments to agricultural producers to help offset a portion of their increased production costs. USDA is expected to announce payment rates for major agricultural commodities in November, with details for other eligible producers, including fishermen and specialty crop growers, to follow. This follows USDA's decision to create a new Office of Seafood in April.

USDA is encouraging fishermen and specialty crop growers to submit information about their increased fuel costs to [email protected] to help inform payment rates under the program.

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