Image courtesy USDA

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening sign-up for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. The program will provide $11 billion in one-time payments to row crop farmers facing trade problems and higher production costs.

Enrollment runs from Feb. 23 through April 17, 2026. USDA says the program is designed to quickly get help to farmers as spring planting begins. Farmers who apply online could begin receiving payments as early as Feb. 28.

The payments are authorized through the Commodity Credit Corporation and will be handled by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Eligible crops include corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice and several others.

Farmers can apply online using a Login.gov account at fsa.usda.gov/fba or visit their local FSA county office. Pre-filled applications will be available for many producers.

USDA says the program offers short-term relief while longer-term farm support changes take effect later this year.