USDA Harvest Fuel Relief Program: What Louisiana Farmers Need to Know

USDA Harvest Fuel Relief Program: What Louisiana Farmers Need to Know

Last updated 10/21/2026

What is the Harvest Fuel Relief Program?

President Trump’s Department of Agriculture announced the Harvest Fuel Relief Program on October 19, 2026. This initiative will make $8 billion available for one-time payments to American farmers this harvest season to provide relief during temporary market disruptions and increased input costs.

How payments will be calculated

Similar to the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, Harvest Fuel Relief will use a uniform formula to cover a portion of modeled losses during the 2026 crop year. That national loss average will be based on Farm Service Agency-reported planted acres, Economic Research Service cost-of-production estimates, and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates yields and prices.

The program will be administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Commodity-specific payment rates for Title I commodities will be released in November. Title I commodities include many of Louisiana’s major row crops, such as rice, soybeans, corn, and cotton. Crop insurance will not be required to participate.

Step-by-step: How to prepare to apply

Step 1 — Create a Login.gov account.
USDA encourages eligible producers to set up a Login.gov account before the official application period opens.

Step 2 — Link your Login.gov account to USDA.
Growers who link their Login.gov account to USDA will get access to pre-filled online applications, which streamlines filing. Note that creating or linking an account is not the same as applying.

Step 3 — Confirm your FSA acreage records are accurate.
Because planted acres reported to FSA are a key part of the payment formula, review your FSA acreage records now. If anything is missing or incorrect, contact your local USDA Service Center (FSA county office).

Step 4 — If you grow non-Title I crops or fish, submit your fuel-cost data.
Producers of non-Title I commodities, including specialty crop growers and fishermen, are encouraged to provide data on increased fuel costs to HarvestFuel@usda.gov for USDA’s consideration when determining payment rates. This may apply to Louisiana producers of crawfish, sweet potatoes, citrus, and commercial seafood. Keep copies of your fuel receipts and records.

Step 5 — Watch for the application announcement.
USDA expects to release details on application timelines, commodity-specific distributions, and implementation guidelines in the coming weeks. Check back here or visit usda.gov for updates.

What hasn’t been announced yet

USDA has not yet announced final eligibility, payment rates, or payment methodology for all commodities. We will update this page as soon as FSA releases:

  • The full list of eligible crops and producers
  • Per-acre payment rates (expected in November for row crops)
  • Application open and close dates