USDA unveils $150 million aid package for U.S. sugar farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Thursday it will provide $150 million in one-time assistance to U.S. sugar beet and sugarcane farmers, citing temporary market disruptions and rising production and processing costs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the payments are intended to stabilize farm operations ahead of the next crop year.

The funding will be distributed in coordination with sugar processors, with agreements expected to be finalized in the coming months to deliver payments directly to farmer-members. The department said the support builds on previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance and Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers programs, both aimed at reinforcing liquidity in the agricultural sector.

In addition, USDA will allocate $89.1 million in disaster aid to sugar beet producers affected by excessive heat in 2024. The weather-related assistance, authorized by Congress under the American Relief Act, 2025, will be administered through eligible beet sugar cooperatives. Producers are advised to contact their cooperatives for further details.