By Clint Thompson
Count the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) as one organization applauding the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance payments announced on Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA announced that $12 billion will be made available in one time bridge payments to farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The payments are intended, partially, to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Act reach eligible producers on Oct. 1, 2026.
Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, providing relief to row crop farmers who grow such crops as corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, sorghum and soybeans; but not fruits and vegetables.
Georgia Cotton Commission Statement
The Georgia Cotton Commission posted on its Facebook page:
“We are appreciative to the Trump Administration and Secretary Brooke Rollins for today’s announcement regarding Farmer Bridge Assistance. We look forward to learning more details about this program as it develops.”
Farmers who qualify for the FBA program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28, 2026. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. on Dec. 19.
To submit questions, justification for USDA farmer bridge aid, or to request a meeting on farmer bridge aid, producers can reach out to farmerbridge@usda.org.