(NAFB.com) – Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said the enrollment period is open for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which provides $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers and $1 billion for specialty crops. Rollins said improving the farm economy is a top priority of the agency. “We have simplified and streamlined the application process for the bridge program to ensure producers get the financial assistance they need as quickly as possible while kicking off their spring planting season,” Rollins said. “If our farmers are not able to economically continue their operations, then we will not be able to feed ourselves in this country.” Pre-filled applications will be available online to producers with a Login.gov account who filed their 2025 crop acreage report for eligible commodities. April 17 is the deadline to submit completed FBA applications. Producers can complete FBA applications online or submit them to their FSA county office.