Trump pledges $8 billion in relief for farmers struggling with soaring diesel prices
Updated on: October 20, 2026 / 1:48 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Trump administration will provide $8 billion in aid to farmers through the Harvest Fuel Relief program.
- The aid is intended to offset the rising costs of diesel fuel, which farmers use for agricultural machinery.
- Diesel prices have reached record highs, significantly impacting farmers' expenses.
- The program will use a standard formula based on planted acreage, estimated production costs, yields, and prices.
- The USDA forecasts a 2.6% drop in net farm income this year due to increased production costs, with fuel and oil expenses expected to rise nearly 30%.
- Critics argue that the aid is a political move and that the administration's own policies, such as tariffs and the conflict with Iran, contribute to higher energy prices for farmers.