OTTAWA — The Conservative government has promised an immediate injection of $1.5 billion in assistance for struggling farmers.

Tuesday's budget promised $500 million annually to help farmers now, and to prepare a long-term strategy for the sector.

The government also created a one-time fund of $1 billion for this year.

"Farmers feed our cities, our country and the world,'' Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said.

"They keep our rural communities strong. But falling prices and trade disputes are causing real financial hardship. ...

"This year is a particularly difficult year, and we know it.''

The Conservatives recently confirmed they would also distribute the $755 million promised by the previous Liberal government under the Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program.

This year's $1-billion fund will serve as transition money while Ottawa establishes a pair of other long-term programs designed to help farmers.

The Tories have promised to replace the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Fund after consulting with farmers and the provinces on a new federal-provincial program.

The Tories are also promising a Cover Crop Protection Program to help farmers deal with damage to their crops caused by flooding.

Farmers have protested on Parliament Hill in recent weeks, blocking traffic with their tractors while demanding government aid to help them compete with low international commodity prices.

Farmers say agricultural subsidies in Europe and the United States have driven down the cost of goods and placed them at a disadvantage.