Congressman Harris Applauds $8 Billion USDA Relief Program for Farmers and Watermen

October 20, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, applauded President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for announcing $8 billion through USDA’s new Harvest Fuel Relief Program to help agricultural producers facing rising fuel costs and market disruptions. Statement from Congressman Harris: “Rising fuel costs are cutting into the earnings of farmers and watermen across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. I applaud President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and USDA for providing $8 billion in relief to help offset these costs. As Chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I have pushed for a USDA Office of Seafood and for commercial watermen to be treated as agricultural producers with access to USDA programs.” USDA will announce payment rates for major crops in November, with details for watermen to follow. Farmers are encouraged to prepare for the application process, while watermen can submit information on increased fuel costs to HarvestFuel@usda.gov to help USDA determine payment rates. For more information, visit USDA.gov. For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov Issues : Agriculture Economy