President Trump announced a multibillion-dollar relief package for U.S. row-crop and specialty-crop farmers; Alabama officials say about $12 billion is earmarked for local producers. Farmers face pressure from rising input costs and weak commodity prices, and many crops are perishable. Commissioner Rick Pate said timely payments are intended to reassure lenders so growers can buy next season’s inputs, with payments expected by the end of February.
Alabama Farmers To Receive Federal Relief — About $12B Earmarked For Row And Specialty Crops
06:45 AM, 12/10/2025
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — President Donald Trump announced a multibillion-dollar relief package for U.S. row-crop and specialty-crop farmers, and state officials say roughly $12 billion has been designated to assist Alabama producers.
Why The Aid Is Needed
Farmers in Alabama and nationwide have been squeezed by rising input costs and weak commodity prices. Many crops are perishable and must be sold quickly, leaving growers exposed to short-term price swings and limited storage options.
“We try to get up every morning, trying to make a good crop and make the world a better place to live in,”
Carl Sanders, who grows a variety of crops in Coffee County, said the combination of high costs and low prices has been a heavy burden for producers. "We produce a crop, and once we produce a crop, we need to sell it. It’s not like you can keep that crop for three or four years. They’re perishable commodities, and they have to go," Sanders said.
How The Funds Will Help
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said the federal relief is intended for growers of peanuts, cotton, fruits, vegetables and other row and specialty crops. Pate emphasized that the aid arrives at a critical time because most farmers purchase the next season's inputs during a short annual window.
“It’s important for our lenders to know the money is going to be available, so they can have confidence in advancing money in that next year’s crop,”
Pate said the assistance should reassure lenders and help ensure farmers can secure financing and inputs for the upcoming season. He expects the relief payments to begin reaching eligible growers by the end of February.
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