The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it plans to deliver $150 million in financial assistance to American sugar beet and sugarcane producers facing temporary market challenges and rising production and processing costs.
The one-time payments expand on the previously launched Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) and Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) programs, both aimed at strengthening producers’ financial stability as they prepare for the next crop year.
In the coming months, USDA will coordinate with sugar processors to finalize agreements that ensure funds are distributed directly to farmer-members.
“Today’s announcement serves as a bridge to improvements President Trump and Republicans in Congress have made to the U.S. sugar program including the first meaningful increase to sugar loan rates in 40 years,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a statement.
Disaster Relief for Sugar Beet Producers
In addition to market assistance, USDA is allocating $89.1 million in weather-related disaster relief for sugar beet producers who experienced losses from extreme heat in 2024. The funding, authorized by Congress through the American Relief Act, 2025, will be distributed through eligible beet sugar cooperatives.
Producers who are members of participating cooperatives are encouraged to contact their cooperative representatives for further details on eligibility and payment distribution.