SOUTHWEST, Ga. (WALB) - Southwest Georgia farmers can tap into a $12 billion federal relief program designed to offset high input costs and market losses. The deadline to report 2025 acreage is 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

What Farmers Need to Know

The Farmer Bridge Assistance Program targets row crop farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the program will address the financial strain from high input costs, inflation, and unfair trade practices.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper said these farming challenges needed immediate action.

“I farm on our family farm that’s been in our family for 7 generations,” he said. “I know firsthand the issues our farm families are facing.”

Those who qualify for the aid can expect payments in February 2026.

“Those same offices are who they will work with to ensure their acreage is reported and up to date,” Harper said. “This ensures they’re in the system and ready to be in the process for the payments we’ll be rolling out soon.”

Local Farmers Voice Concerns

State Sen. Sam Watson, a Southwest Georgia farmer, has been in the farming business for almost two decades. He says the agricultural crisis is the worst he’s seen in farming. But he worries the timing of federal aid is off.

“Right now is a critical time in agriculture,” Watson said. “People are trying to make decisions on if they can farm again. They’ve harvested their crops and are now looking at their budgets.”

Watson says the aid won’t directly benefit farmers. They must pay wages, bills, and contractors first.

“Farmers are going to take that money and pump it out into their rural communities and whoever they do business with,” Watson said. “They are never going to see that money. They’re going to pay bills with it.”

How to Apply

To qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance, farmers must provide 2025 acreage reports submitted to their local FSA by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

For more information on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and to ensure accurate acreage reporting, farmers should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

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