WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The USDA is preparing to release payment levels for the upcoming bridge assistance program. Those numbers could come as soon as today, but there’s been significant pushback on the cash for specialty crop growers.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News on Friday that the $1 billion set aside for specialty crop growers was all the Department had to work with, and that any additional assistance would need to come from Congress.
“So, this generous opportunity to bring resources to the farmers was the most that USDA could put together given our budgetary constraints,” Linberg said. “Certainly, carving out $1 billion of the $12 billion package for specialty crops indicates we understand and know the importance of that particular segment of the farm economy and are delivering results to them, too. But more broadly than that, additional spending that may or may not happen would be something that would have to be driven by Congress on a go-forward basis.”
Lindberg says it is anyone’s guess what Congress will do down the road, but adds that USDA has a responsibility to ensure resources are spent efficiently and effectively.
WATCH LINDBERG’S INTERVIEW
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
November 21, 2025 02:13 PM
·
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
November 21, 2025 02:09 PM
·
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
November 21, 2025 01:56 PM
·
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
November 21, 2025 11:48 AM
·
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
November 20, 2025 05:00 PM
·
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
November 20, 2025 04:24 PM
·
