USDA Delivers $8 Billion in Relief for American Farmers

Dear Kentucky farmers,

You are the backbone of our Commonwealth and our nation's economy. You work long hours, take enormous risks, and help feed and fuel America. You deserve leaders in Washington who have your back.

This session of Congress, I voted for the largest investment in rural communities in history, to end the death tax on almost 2 million family farms, and to expand crop insurance for our farmers.

Right now, no issue is more important than lowering diesel fuel costs. I've been fighting to change the law and unleash Kentucky energy producers to create jobs and lower energy costs. In the meantime, I wanted to share today's announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture providing $8B in new relief for American farmers through the Harvest Fuel Relief Program.

With rising input costs and market uncertainty continuing to squeeze our agricultural producers, this funding will provide much-needed relief to help farmers get through the harvest season.

Here's what Kentucky farmers need to know:

• $8 billion in direct assistance will be made available to eligible farmers nationwide.
• Payment rates will be announced in November for eligible Title I commodities.
• Crop insurance will not be required to participate in the program.
• Farmers are encouraged to establish a Login.gov account linked to USDA to prepare for the application process.

This new relief builds on President Trump's commitment to putting American farmers first, including $12 billion in previous bridge assistance and nearly $14 billion in payments through the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs.

President Trump is delivering for rural America, and I will continue fighting alongside him to ensure Kentucky farmers have the resources they need to succeed.

For more information about the program and how to prepare, visit USDA.gov/Farmers-First.

Thank you for everything you do for Kentucky and our country.