The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the opening of the enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program, which will provide $11 billion in one-time payments to row crop producers. The initiative aims to help farmers cope with temporary trade disruptions and higher production costs. Enrollment begins on February 23 and ends on April 17, 2026.
“Improving the farm economy is our top priority at USDA, and 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 as we’re kicking off the spring planting season. President Trump continues to put farmers first. If our farmers are not economically able to continue their operations, then we will not be able to feed ourselves in this country,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Producers who want to further expedite their payment, can apply online through the program website and could receive a payment in their bank account as early as February 28, 2026. Putting Farmers First means providing economic relief now while the Trump Administration continues opening new markets and strengthening the farm safety net.”
The FBA payments are made under authority from the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and are managed by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). These payments are designed to support farmers until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) take effect after October 1, 2026. Under OBBBA, reference prices for major commodities will rise by between 10% and 21%.
Farmers who filed timely acreage reports for eligible crops in 2025 can access pre-filled applications online if they have a Login.gov account. Applications can be accessed or submitted at fsa.usda.gov/fba or requested from local FSA county offices.
April 17 is set as the deadline for submitting completed applications either online or through FSA county offices.
Login.gov provides secure access for users across multiple government agencies, including FSA. Producers without an account can create one at fsa.usda.gov/fba; those with existing accounts may use them directly.
Eligible crops include Barley, Chickpeas, Corn, Cotton, Lentils, Oats, Peanuts, Peas, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Canola, Crambe, Flax, Mustard, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame and Sunflower. Exclusions apply for certain uses such as grazing or cover crops; however initial acres—including double-cropped or subsequently planted acres—are eligible.
While crop insurance linkage is not required for FBA participation this year, USDA encourages producers to consider new risk management tools offered under OBBBA.
Payment rates were released in December based on factors such as planted acreage for 2025 and cost of production data.
A separate program announced earlier this month—the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF)—provides similar aid targeting specialty crop growers facing market challenges related to unfair foreign competition and rising costs. Specialty crop producers must report their acreage by March 13.
More details about both programs are available at fsa.usda.gov/fba or through local FSA offices.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry supports farmers throughout Louisiana by offering regulatory enforcement on food safety and animal health matters while promoting agricultural products statewide according to its official website. The department also manages forest health programs and wildfire prevention efforts across Louisiana [source]. Commissioner Mike Strain leads these efforts within agriculture conservation fields [source].
