ICGA Statement on Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Announcement
JOHNSTON, Iowa – December 8, 2025 – Earlier today, the Trump Administration announced the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, offering $12 billion in economic assistance to farmers impacted by low commodity prices. Further specifics will come by the end of the year.
Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller, released the following statement:
“The Iowa Corn Growers Association appreciates the Trump Administration’s Farmer Bridge Assistance program that is helping alleviate stress from Iowa’s corn farmers that are currently facing economic challenges due to low commodity prices, high input prices and market access challenges.
“We still need to find long-term solutions that will increase farmer profitability, and the best way Congress can do that is with passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. This legislation would expand access to fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round, increasing demand for corn for ethanol and saving consumers money at the pump.
“We also encourage the Trump Administration to continue working as expeditiously as possible to secure new trade opportunities that will open foreign markets to corn and corn products.”
Iowa Soybean Association Comments on USDA’s Just-Announced Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
“The combination of global trade disruptions for both the sale of soybeans and purchase of ag inputs has taken an economic toll on Iowa soybean farmers. Loan default rates have continued to rise while many farmers have drawn down their cash reserves just to maintain the viability of their operations.
We appreciate the administration’s response to the concerns farmers have voiced with today’s announcement of targeted, one-time payments of $11 billion to row crop farmers. These resources will help mitigate the difficult situation many producers find themselves in as they deal with bills that are due from the crop just harvested while seeking the financing needed to plant another crop next spring.
The economic disaster assistance is the first of many steps needed to restore profitability to Iowa farmers. To be clear: farmers want markets, not emergency government assistance. Ad hoc payments year after year do not provide farmers with the certainty needed to return to a profitable operating environment.
We will continue to work with Congress and the administration on broader support for the farm economy. At the top of the list is finalizing policies to support domestic biofuel markets for U.S. soybean farmers including issuing tax guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, establishing 2026-2027 biofuel volumes and limiting incentives for imported biofuel inputs through the Renewable Fuel Standard.
ISA will also continue to stress the need for restoring trade relationships with key customers of Iowa and U.S. soy and expanding domestic markets. These actions will help restore needed stability and certainty in the marketplace, benefiting both farmers and consumers.”
Secretary Naig Issues Statement on the Trump Administration’s Assistance to American Farmers
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced $12 billion in direct financial assistance to America’s farmers impacted by the current economic conditions and ongoing trade disruptions:
“Iowa farmers are being squeezed by low commodity prices and near-record high input costs, and these pressures ripple through our rural communities and entire economy. I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins providing some immediate, short-term relief as we work to strengthen trade relationships and expand markets at home and abroad.
Let’s be clear: farmers want reliable markets for their products, not government aid. We urgently need to secure new, expanded, and fairer trade deals that grow market access for U.S. ag products around the globe, which the Administration has made a top priority. We also need Congress to pass a modernized Farm Bill, aggressively expand year-round nationwide access to E15, and address the root causes of historically high fertilizer costs. These steps would give much needed certainty and stability to the agriculture community in Iowa and across the nation.”
