Did Maine potato farms get over $11 million in federal subsidies in 2026? | Fact brief

Maine potato growers have received $10.3 million in direct federal assistance and another $8.4 million in subsidies for crop insurance premiums this year, for a combined $18.7 million.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers dashboard shows $10.3 million in payments to Maine potato producers. The one-time program, meant to help farmers facing higher production costs and market disruptions, paid eligible potato growers $225 per acre planted in 2025, with a limit of $250,000 per farm.

Separately, the USDA’s 2026 crop insurance data shows $8.4 million in federal subsidies for Maine potato insurance premiums as of Oct. 19. The premiums cost $12.1 million overall, with farmers responsible for the unsubsidized portion. Insurance subsidies reduce growers’ costs rather than providing direct cash payments.

Maine farmers harvested 51,900 acres of potatoes in 2025. The USDA valued that crop at $253.5 million, down from $271.2 million in 2024.