USDA Announces $150M in Aid for Sugar Farmers
USDA to provide $150M in aid to sugar beet and cane farmers, plus $89.1M in disaster assistance for 2024 heat losses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $150 million in one-time assistance for U.S. sugar beet and sugar cane farmers impacted by temporary market disruptions and higher production and processing costs.
The announcement was made Feb. 20, 2026, by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. The funding builds on previously announced support programs, including the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) and Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) programs.
What Sugar Producers Need to Know
USDA said the $150 million in assistance will be distributed in coordination with sugar processors. The department plans to work with processors in the coming months to finalize agreements that will deliver payments directly to farmer-members.
“President Trump is committed to standing by all of our great American farmers who were unjustly hurt by President Biden’s economic mismanagement that drove up the cost of inputs and dereliction of global trade that impacted commodity markets,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Today’s announcement serves as a bridge to improvements President Trump and Republicans in Congress have made to the U.S. sugar program including the first meaningful increase to sugar loan rates in 40 years.”
Additional Disaster Assistance for Beet Growers
USDA is also providing $89.1 million in weather-related disaster assistance to sugar beet producers who experienced losses due to excessive heat in 2024. The funding was provided by Congress through the American Relief Act, 2025.
This disaster assistance will be administered through eligible beet sugar cooperatives. Producers who are cooperative members are advised to contact their cooperative directly for details about eligibility and payment distribution.
Programs Involved
The new sugar assistance follows earlier USDA support efforts under the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) and Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) programs, which were created to help stabilize farm operations amid market challenges and rising costs.
More details are expected as USDA finalizes agreements with sugar processors and cooperatives.
