US to announce ‘bridge payment’ for farmers next week, Rollins says

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Bo Erickson and Leah Douglas

WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Tuesday that the Trump administration will announce a “bridge payment” for farmers next week that is designed to provide short-term relief while longer trade and aid packages are finalized.

Farm groups and Republican lawmakers have pushed the administration to issue aid as farmers face low crop prices and billions in lost soybean sales to China during tense trade talks between the two countries.

“We do have a bridge payment. We’ll be announcing with you next week,” Rollins told Trump at a cabinet meeting at the White House.

Trump’s spending bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” expanded some farm supports but farm groups say growers need additional money now