Trump Unveils $8 Billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program to Cushion Farmers Amid Diesel Surge and Middle East Supply Disruptions

President Donald Trump unveiled a new $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief initiative during his Monday night campaign rally in Kansas, targeting surging diesel costs and rising input expenses affecting farmers during the current harvest season.

Speaking at the Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, near Wichita, Trump emphasized the economic impact of geopolitical tensions, citing disruptions to global energy supplies tied to attacks in the Middle East. He praised Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., for his role in advocating for the funding.

“And some more goodies — you know, I always heard that when you’re president, you have a little bit of an advantage, and I sort of see why now… Tonight, I’m also pleased to announce that the Department of Agriculture will be launching a new Harvest Fuel Relief program, providing our farmers with $8 billion in support to offset diesel costs during this harvest season,” Trump said.

“And Roger Marshall is the leader who fought for that to happen. Roger got it to happen. Good job, Roger.”

Trump referenced prior agricultural assistance programs, including a $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance package earlier this year and $28 billion in aid disbursed during his first term. He attributed these funds to revenue generated through tariffs on China, stating, “I just gave the farmers $12 billion, and in my first term, I gave them $28 billion, if you remember. And that came out of the tariff money from China. China paid it. It was a gift from China.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture outlined that the Harvest Fuel Relief program will offer proportional assistance based on projected losses during the 2026 crop year. Payments will be determined using planted acreage data, production-cost estimates, yield figures, and market pricing. Details regarding commodity-specific payment rates for key crops are slated for release in November, with disbursements managed through the Farm Service Agency under the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

Additionally, Trump spotlighted a recent executive action suspending red-dye licensing requirements for off-road diesel usage, enabling farmers and commercial truckers to purchase fuel without associated taxes.

“Even without that, as soon as that war ends, you’re going to see a plunge because there’s so much oil and diesel around,” Trump commented.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins endorsed the measure in a formal statement, calling Trump “the most pro-farmer president of my lifetime.” She added, “President Trump is continuing to put farmers first every day. Today, I am proud to announce alongside President Trump more targeted relief is coming to our farmers through the Harvest Fuel Relief program. This $8 billion dollar investment will help bring certainty to our farmers during this harvest so they can continue to feed our nation.”

The USDA noted the program builds on recent financial support efforts, including over $12 billion in bridge payments distributed earlier this year to more than 560,000 producers and nearly $14 billion in ongoing Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage benefits.

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