US President Donald Trump has unveiled a $12 billion (£9 billion) farm aid package aimed at helping farmers impacted by low crop prices and the administration's ongoing trade wars.
Most of the money – $11 billion – is earmarked for one-time payments to farmers for row crops as part of the agriculture department's Farmer Bridge Assistance programme, with another billion reserved for crops not covered by the programme.
While farmers have broadly supported Trump, the agriculture sector has been disrupted by trade disputes during his second term, particularly with China.
The White House says the aid package will help farmers suffering from 'years of unjustified trade actions' and accumulated inflation.
The announcement came during an event at the White House, attended by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and members of Congress alongside various farmers.
Trump emphasized that maximizing domestic farm production is critical for reducing grocery prices, especially for sorghum and soybean farmers who are significantly affected by the trade dispute with China.
The payments are aimed at helping farmers market this year's harvest and prepare for next year's crops, acting as a bridge until policy developments yield a better market environment.
Trump's remarks and the nature of the aid reflect ongoing concerns among farmers regarding rising costs and limited access to international markets.
Farmers expressed mixed feelings about the aid, recognizing its necessity yet yearning for market conditions that would negate the need for such interventions.
