Enrollment is now underway for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a new effort aimed at delivering billions of dollars in direct support to producers navigating continued economic stress in agriculture.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the sign-up window has officially opened for the program, which will provide $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers and an additional $1 billion dedicated to specialty crop growers. The funding is designed to offer short-term financial relief as farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season.
Rollins emphasized that strengthening the farm economy remains one of the agency’s highest priorities. “We have simplified and streamlined the application process for the bridge program to ensure producers get the financial assistance they need as quickly as possible while kicking off their spring planting season,” Rollins said. “If our farmers are not able to economically continue their operations, then we will not be able to feed ourselves in this country.”
The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is structured to move payments efficiently, with pre-filled applications available online for producers who have a Login.gov account and previously filed their 2025 crop acreage report for eligible commodities. That step is expected to reduce paperwork burdens and speed up access to funds.
Producers who qualify can complete their Farmer Bridge Assistance applications electronically or submit the required paperwork directly to their local Farm Service Agency county office. Officials say the streamlined process is intended to ensure that support reaches operations during a critical window as spring fieldwork gets underway.
The deadline to submit completed FBA applications is April 17.
