Story perspectives

Trump Seeks $11.1 B Farm Aid Amid Rising Bankruptcies

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump asked for $11.1 billion in aid—$10 billion for growers, $1.1 billion for Florida—and to make E15 ethanol gasoline permanent.
Officials say aid is needed and will not fully offset Iran-related fuel and fertilizer costs, bankruptcies rose 60 % in Q1 as corn, soybean prices fell.
Florida’s 2025-2026 storms caused $3.1 billion in losses for strawberry, tomato and bell-pepper growers, prompting administration to project $55.4 billion in payments for 2026, one-third of farm income.

History

Historical Context

President Ronald Reagan signed the Food Security Act on December 23, 1985, which introduced conservation programs and capped farm subsidies at $50,000 per person. Since then, the USDA has repeatedly used farm bills to provide disaster and price assistance, a pattern echoed in President Donald Trump’s recent $11.1 billion aid request for storm-hit Florida and rising fuel costs.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump asked for $11.1 billion in aid—$10 billion for growers, $1.1 billion for Florida—and to make E15 ethanol gasoline permanent.
Officials say aid is needed and will not fully offset Iran-related fuel and fertilizer costs, bankruptcies rose 60 % in Q1 as corn, soybean prices fell.
Florida’s 2025-2026 storms caused $3.1 billion in losses for strawberry, tomato and bell-pepper growers, prompting administration to project $55.4 billion in payments for 2026, one-third of farm income.

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