October 22, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new USD 8 billion (EUR 7.1 billion) Harvest Fuel Relief program to offset some of the costs farmers and fishers are facing from higher fuel prices.
The government has not specified how much aid individual fishers could receive or when checks will be sent.
October 22, 2026 — Maine farmers and fishermen can now get federal assistance to offset rising diesel prices.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday that farmers and fishermen are eligible for assistance under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s $8 billion “Harvest Fuel Relief” program.
Under that new program, farmers and fishermen can get a one-time payment to offset those higher production costs. Rates will be announced in November.
“The rising cost of fuel and other inputs has placed significant financial strain on hardworking farmers, fishermen, lobstermen, and their families. After speaking with both the White House and Secretary Rollins, I am pleased to have been assured that Maine fishermen and lobstermen will benefit from the Administration’s new agricultural relief package,” Collins said in a statement. “I will continue advocating for Maine’s fishermen, lobstermen, and specialty crop growers, who are integral to our state’s heritage, economy, and way of life, to ensure they receive the support they need to overcome these challenges.”
October 22, 2026– The National Seafood Association welcomes the announcement of the new Harvest Fuel Relief program, designed to offset the impact of higher fuel prices on agriculture and seafood communities. Getting America’s healthiest animal protein from bait to plate involves a complex supply chain, and rising fuel costs have placed significant financial pressure on seafood businesses.
The Trump administration’s work with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the USDA Office of Seafood and the Farm Service Agency to include seafood in this critical program illustrates a focus on affordably feeding Americans. Likewise, it demonstrates the important role seafood plays in nutrition and food security.
Fuel continues to be one of the biggest operating expenses in the commercial seafood sector and this understanding and assistance from the Agriculture Department will help consumers and the hardworking families who harvest America’s seafood.