President Trump signed an executive order on Oct. 5 that temporarily allows off-road dyed diesel to be used in on-road vehicles and defers the federal excise tax on highway diesel through the end of the year.
By suspending enforcement of certain tax and usage restrictions, the order seeks to reduce fuel expenses, with the White House estimating significant savings for diesel users. The order also directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help ensure farmers can access dyed diesel supplies and encourages states to adopt similar policies.
Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb S. Smith welcomed the executive order, saying it reflects concerns raised by farmers and ranchers who continue to face increasing production costs and rely heavily on diesel fuel for day-to-day operations.
“Florida’s farmers and ranchers are facing tremendous pressure from rising input costs, and diesel is an unavoidable expense in producing our food and getting it to market,” Smith said. “Florida Farm Bureau, alongside the American Farm Bureau Federation, has advocated for action to address rising diesel costs and provide greater flexibility for the use of dyed diesel. We appreciate President Trump and his administration for listening to the concerns of America’s farmers and taking action to provide relief when every dollar matters. This Executive Order is a welcome response to concerns we have raised on behalf of Florida’s farm families.”
Read a Farm Bureau Intel on the impact of diesel prices during harvest here.
