Farmers Fight for More Money as Energy Prices Rise

President Trump has asked lawmakers to give farmers an extra $11 billion because fuel and fertilizer costs have shot up since the conflict with Iran began. The request would add to $12 billion already handed out this year, helping a sector that is struggling with high production expenses and low crop prices. Trade rules set by the administration and supply disruptions from the Middle East have made the situation worse, but a recent agreement between Washington and Tehran has eased some shipping problems. Farmers are key supporters of the president, especially as his party keeps narrow majorities in Congress heading into the midterm elections. Still, a recent poll shows his popularity among rural voters has dropped to just over half of the electorate. The new aid plan, signed by White House budget chief Russ Vought, would give $10 billion to row and specialty crop growers for the 2026 planting season, while another $1. 1 billion would help Florida farmers who suffered from late‑season storms in 2025 and early 2026.If Congress approves the proposal, the administration expects to disburse roughly $55 billion in direct payments this year. That figure would represent about a third of the total farm income projected for 2026, marking the highest level of direct support since 2001. The request reflects a broader effort to stabilize an industry that is vital for food security but vulnerable to global economic shifts. It also underscores the political stakes of farm policy, as agricultural communities often lean heavily on presidential support for their livelihoods.