January 2026
The USDA has announced the official per-acre payment rates for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, a one-time support initiative intended to help producers manage ongoing financial pressure while Congress continues work on longer-term farm policy solutions.
Program Overview
The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program was announced by the Trump Administration and USDA to provide short-term financial relief in response to rising input costs, declining commodity prices, and continued market uncertainty. The program is funded at $12 billion, with $11 billion dedicated to direct payments to producers administered through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). The remaining funding is reserved for specialty crop and sugar assistance, with details still under development.
Payments will be based on 2025 planted acres reported to FSA. Prevented plant acres are not eligible, and participation in crop insurance is not required to receive assistance under this program.
USDA has indicated that payments are expected to be issued beginning February 28, 2026, and that eligible producers may receive pre-filled applications to streamline the process.
2025 Farmer Bridge Assistance Payment Rates (Per Acre)
USDA has released the following payment rates by commodity:
- Barley: $20.51
- Canola: $23.57
- Chickpeas (Large): $26.46
- Chickpeas (Small): $33.36
- Corn: $44.36
- Cotton: $117.35
- Flax: $8.05
- Lentils: $23.98
- Mustard: $23.21
- Oats: $81.75
- Peanuts: $55.65
- Peas: $19.60
- Rice: $132.89
- Safflower: $24.86
- Sesame: $13.68
- Sorghum: $48.11
- Soybeans: $30.88
- Sunflower: $17.32
- Wheat: $39.35
What Producers Should Know
USDA will administer the program through local FSA offices. Producers are encouraged to ensure their 2025 acreage reports are accurate and up to date to avoid delays in payment. Additional guidance on applications and implementation is expected from USDA in the coming weeks.
Florida Farm Bureau appreciates the Administration’s recognition of the financial challenges facing production agriculture nationwide. At the same time, Florida Farm Bureau continues to urge USDA to use all available resources to address the unique needs of Florida’s specialty crop producers, who face ongoing pressure from labor costs, trade challenges, and rising inputs.
Florida Farm Bureau will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.