Trump administration announces assistance for sugar growers
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Friday announced $150 million in assistance to American sugar beet and sugar cane farmers in response to temporary market disruptions and increased production and processing costs.
“These one-time payments build upon the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program and Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program which are designed to ensure producers have the financial stability needed to continue operations and plan for the upcoming crop year,” USDA said in a news release.
USDA did not say when the money will be delivered, but said it “will work with sugar processors in the coming months to finalize agreements that will deliver assistance directly to farmer-members.”
Rollins noted in the news release that the money will be a “bridge to the increase in sugar loan rates that Republicans passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and that President Trump signed.”
USDA is also providing $89.1 million in weather-related disaster assistance to sugar beet producers who suffered losses due to excessive heat in 2024. This funding, provided by Congress via the American Relief Act, 2025, will be administered through eligible beet sugar cooperatives, and USDA said producers should contact their cooperative for more information.
The American Sugar Alliance, which represents beet and cane growers, said “America’s sugar beet and sugarcane farmers greatly appreciate President Donald Trump, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden for recognizing the challenges facing rural America and announcing needed economic aid for sugar producers.”
“This will be a critical aid infusion for our farmers who are experiencing tight — and in many cases, negative — margins, threatening the economic viability of multi-generational family farms and the sustainability of the entire domestic sugar industry,” the group said.
“This administration continues to put America’s farmers, and our national food security, first. As we look ahead, we know there are growers who are facing dire straits, both economic and due to the recent freeze, and we will continue working with Congress and the administration to greenlight additional assistance where needed.”
