Enrollment is now open for USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program, which will provide $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The FBA enrollment period closes Friday, 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,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture 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 Feb. 28, 2026.”
These bridge payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Bridge payments are intended in part to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including reference prices which are set to increase between 10-21% for major covered commodities and will reach eligible farmers after Oct. 1, 2026.
Source : unl.edu