Trump to unveil $12bn farm aid package

December 8, 2025

President Donald Trump is introducing a $12 billion agricultural aid program to assist American farmers struggling with depressed crop prices and impacts from his administration's trade conflicts, particularly with China. The majority of the funds will provide direct one-time payments to producers of row crops, with additional money allocated for commodities not included in the main program. The assistance is designed to help farmers market current harvests and prepare for upcoming planting seasons while the administration works toward improving trade conditions.

Who is affected

American farmers growing corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, rice, wheat, potatoes, and raising cattle
Sorghum and soybean farmers specifically impacted by trade disputes with China
Mark Legan, an Indiana livestock, corn and soybean farmer
Members of Congress attending the announcement
American consumers concerned about rising costs

What action is being taken

Trump is unveiling a $12 billion farm aid package
$11 billion is being allocated for one-time payments to row crop farmers through the Farmer Bridge Assistance programme
$1 billion is being reserved for crops not covered by the main programme
China is accelerating purchases of US soybeans
Trump signed an executive order creating food supply chain security "task forces" to assess anti-competitive behavior in agriculture

Why it matters

This aid package is significant because American farmers, particularly those growing soybeans and sorghum, have experienced severe economic hardship due to trade disputes with China, their largest export market. The assistance addresses growing public concern about rising costs and economic pressures while attempting to maintain political support among the agricultural community that has broadly backed Trump. The package serves as acknowledgment that the administration's trade policies have created disruptions requiring government intervention to prevent further damage to the farming sector.

What's next

Trump is scheduled to announce the plan at 14:00 EST at a White House event
The administration aims to deliver a better market environment through its policies
China is expected to meet its commitment to purchase 12 tonnes of US soybeans by the end of February, according to Treasury Secretary Bessent
China has committed to purchasing 25 metric tonnes of soybeans annually for the next three years following the initial purchase

Read full article from source: BBC