Specialty crop aid part of $86.7B supplemental funding request

An additional $10 billion in aid for specialty and row crops is included in an $86.7 billion supplemental funding request by the Trump administration.

Russell Vought, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, sent a letter (.pdf) to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson requesting a supplemental spending package on June 24. A request of $11.1 billion for growers includes $1.1 billion in aid for Florida producers affected by storms this past winter in addition to “assistance for row and specialty crops planted in crop year 2026.”

“The potato industry welcomes this statement by President Trump that more support is needed for specialty crops,” National Potato Council president Ben Sklarczyk said in a statement. “We will be working closely with Congress to ensure that no less than $5 billion is provided for the fruit and vegetable industry.”

Most of the requested funding would support ongoing military operations against Iran, including $21 billion to “support critical capabilities, munitions procurement, and strengthen the U.S. industrial base,” according to the letter. Another $768 million would  support National Nuclear Security Administration activities.

In addition, $1 .4 billion is requested to respond to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

A $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers announced Dec. 8 included up to $11 billion for row crops.