USDA Announces $1 Billion Program for Specialty Crop Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $1 billion in assistance for specialty crop and sugar producers through the new Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program.

The program provides one-time bridge payments to producers facing market disruptions, higher input costs and inflation. It applies to commodities not covered under the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program and is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. The program will be administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Important Deadline for 2025 Acreage Reporting

Specialty crop producers must report 2025 planted acres to FSA by 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026 to be eligible for payments.

Payments will be based on reported 2025 planted acreage. USDA said commodity-specific payment rates will be announced by the end of March.

Crop insurance coverage is not required to participate in the ASCF program.

What Crops Are Eligible?

ASCF covers a wide range of specialty crops, including:

• Tree nuts such as almonds, pecans, pistachios and walnuts
• Fruits such as apples, grapes, strawberries, peaches and blueberries
• Vegetables such as potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, onions and lettuce
• Specialty items such as mushrooms, coffee and cacao
• Sugar commodities

Dry edible beans and peas that are covered by the Farmer Bridge Assistance program are not eligible under ASCF.

What Farmers Should Know

• Total funding: $1 billion
• Program type: One-time bridge payments
• Acreage reporting deadline: March 13, 2026
• Payments based on: 2025 planted acres
• Crop insurance: Not required
• Administered by: FSA county offices

“President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. Our specialty crop producers continue to feel the negative effects of four years under the Biden Administration, suffering from record inflation, a depleted farm safety net, and delayed disaster assistance,” said Secretary Rollins. “President Trump and the entire cabinet are working every day to fight bidenflation and lower prices for consumers. If our specialty crop producers are not economically able to continue their operations, American families will see a decrease in the food they rely on, wholesome and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Putting Farmers First is essential to the Make America Healthy Again movement and we are doing both at USDA by expanding market opportunities and improving the farm economy for all producers. Today’s specialty crop announcement builds on our efforts to improve markets for real food into American schools, institutions, and family dinner tables.”

USDA encourages producers to ensure acreage reports are accurate and submitted on time. Producers can contact their local FSA county office for additional details.