Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says that trade deals under consideration may help reduce farmers’ long-term dependence on federal support, even as a short-term aid package is being readied.
President Donald Trump’s administration argues that expanding foreign market access through new trade agreements will create “unprecedented” export opportunities, offering farmers alternative income streams.
Still, given current headwinds that include low crop prices, tight export demand and rising input costs, the proposed “bridge payment” remains vital to help growers get through the 2025–2026 cycle without severe financial hardship.
Whether trade deals will deliver sufficient demand to offset the loss of aid remains uncertain, especially for producers of specialty crops and regions with high production costs.
Industry observers warn that concrete export deals and stable pricing will be necessary to avoid future bailouts.
