Did the USDA just forget about $400M in drought aid for farmers?

Grist

by Ayurella Horn-Muller

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appears to have overlooked a $400 million drought aid program intended for farmers and agricultural communities struggling with severe water shortages. Nearly two years after the initiative was announced under the Biden administration, not a single dollar has been distributed. The funds were meant to support projects like upgrading aging irrigation systems in regions hit hard by drought, such as Eloy, Arizona, where water scarcity is a pressing issue for farmers. The program, known as the Water-Saving Commodities initiative, was designed to provide grants to 18 irrigation districts across 12 western states, with each potentially receiving up to $15 million. The money was also allocated for three tribal communities and two state associations of conservation districts. According to former USDA officials, the agreements were finalized by the end of 2024, but the funds have yet to be disbursed. This delay raises concerns about whether the incoming administration will honor these commitments or backtrack on them. The drought crisis has left farmers in states like Arizona and others in the West struggling to sustain their crops and livestock due to dwindling water resources. The aging infrastructure and inefficient irrigation systems further exacerbate the problem, as seen in Eloy, where outdated gates allow water to spill uselessly downstream. Without the promised aid, these communities face an uncertain future, unable to afford the costly upgrades needed to improve water management. The situation highlights a critical gap in federal support for climate-affected agricultural regions. As droughts become more frequent and severe due to climate change, failing to implement such programs undermines efforts to adapt and mitigate environmental impacts on farming. Farmers and rural communities reliant on these funds are left waiting, with no clear timeline for when the aid will arrive or if it ever will. This delay not only affects the livelihoods of farmers but also underscores broader challenges in ensuring that federal climate initiatives are sustained across political transitions. For readers concerned about climate change and its impact on agriculture, this story sheds light on the bureaucratic hurdles and funding uncertainties that can hinder efforts to address water scarcity and support sustainable farming practices.

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Originally published on Grist on 2/23/2026