President's Budget Proposes Major Cuts to USDA
Published Friday, April 10, 2026
This week, the Trump administration released its proposed federal budget, outlining significant funding reductions for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While Congress ultimately determines federal spending levels, the proposal provides insight into the administration’s policy priorities.
Under the proposal, USDA funding would be reduced by nearly 20%, totaling approximately $4.9 billion in cuts. Some of these reductions reflect a reported decline in agency staffing since last year, but the proposal also includes substantial cuts to key programs. They include funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Rural Business Service, and various research and grant programs. The administration has indicated it is targeting funding it views as outside the core mission of agriculture, including certain grant programs and research initiatives currently administered through USDA.
In contrast, the proposal includes a significant increase in defense spending, with an additional $445 billion (approximately 42%) allocated to that sector. Congress faces a deadline at the end of September to address federal funding and is expected to develop its own budget framework in the months ahead.
Staff contact: Matthew Viohl, mviohl@cfbf.com.
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