Key facts
- President Donald Trump is requesting over $11 billion in additional aid for farmers.
- The aid package includes a provision for year-round sales of E15 gasoline.
- E15 gasoline contains 15% ethanol, compared to the standard 10% in E10.
- Summer sales of E15 are currently restricted due to smog concerns.
- $10 billion of the requested aid is for row and specialty crop farmers, while $1.1 billion is for Florida farmers impacted by storms.
President Donald Trump is seeking congressional approval for over $11 billion in additional farm aid, including a provision to permit year-round sales of E15 gasoline. The request comes as farmers grapple with high fuel and fertilizer costs, exacerbated by trade policies and the ongoing conflict with Iran. This new funding would supplement the $12 billion already distributed this year, which farm groups have deemed insufficient.
The proposed aid package allocates $10 billion to row and specialty crop farmers for the 2026 planting season and $1.1 billion to Florida farmers affected by recent winter storms. If approved, total direct payments to farmers this year could reach approximately $55.4 billion, representing the highest level since 2001.
E15 gasoline, which contains 15% ethanol, is currently restricted from summer sales due to concerns about increased smog. Proponents, including biofuel industry groups, argue that E15 offers significant cost savings for consumers, potentially up to 30 cents per gallon, and supports rural economies. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed legislation to allow year-round E15 sales, which now awaits Senate consideration. Experts state E15 is safe for most vehicles manufactured from 2001 onwards.