Alabama Farmers Federation Praises Trump Aid Package

By Jeff Helms
(334) 613-4212

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Dec. 8 - The Alabama Farmers Federation is praising today's announcement by President Donald J. Trump of $12 billion in farm aid for farmers impacted by rising costs and lower commodity prices.

"Today's announcement is yet another demonstration of President Trump's commitment to the American farmer," said Federation President Jimmy 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 follows Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and disaster payments issued earlier this year and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which included updates farmers sought in a long overdue farm bill.

The bulk of the aid package - about $11 billion - is set aside for the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, which will provide one-time payments to row crop farmers by Feb. 28. Rollins said eligible farmers will know by the end of December how much aid to expect, which will allow them to meet with lenders and makes plans for the upcoming crop year.

"We appreciate President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins delivering on their commitment to strengthen American agriculture," Parnell added. "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."

The remaining $1 billion will be held as the U.S. Department of Agriculture evaluates negative trade impacts on specialty crop producers and how the funds can help offset losses.

"I'm delighted to announce this afternoon that the United States will be taking a small portion of the hundreds of billions of dollars we receive in tariffs… We're going to use that money to provide $12 billion in economic assistance to American farmers," Trump said during a White House roundtable, flanked by farmers.

Bessent said the 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."