December 10, 2025 — Washington, D.C. — The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) announced today that farmers in Puerto Rico will be eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), totaling $12 billion.

Of these funds, $11 billion will be used to provide direct support to farmers of certain traditional crops who have been affected by rising production costs, temporary market disruptions, and inflation-driven challenges in 2025. Payments under the FBA program will begin to be issued on February 28, 2026. To participate, eligible producers must submit their 2025 acreage reporting information no later than December 19, 2025. The program will be administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

USDA will reserve $1 billion for crops not covered under FBA, including specialty crops, where the majority of Puerto Rico’s production is concentrated, as well as sugar. Program parameters for this portion will be released soon.

PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli confirmed Puerto Rico’s inclusion following coordination with federal officials. “Our priority is ensuring that Puerto Rico is included in federal initiatives and programs, particularly those that support our farmers. We have been in communication with USDA, which is familiar with the types of crops grown in Puerto Rico and the challenges our producers face, and they have confirmed that Puerto Rico farmers will be eligible for this program,” said Boffelli.

PRFAA encourages farmers to stay informed and to contact their local FSA offices for additional information, or reach out via email at farmerbridge@usda.gov.

###