> Newsline

USDA Finalizes Specialty Crop Assistance Program Details

TOPICS

Specialty Crops Farm Economy

Daniel Munch

Economist

Chad Smith

Associate News Service Editor, NAFB

photo credit: AFBF

Daniel Munch

Economist

Chad Smith

Associate News Service Editor, NAFB

USDA has finalized the promised assistance for U.S. specialty crop producers. Chad Smith has the details.

Smith: The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, announced late last year. Danny Munch, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the funds are part of the USDA’s broader Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
Munch: So, the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program provides $1.625 billion in one-time economic assistance to fruit, vegetable, and tree nut growers. The goal is to help offset some of the financial pressures specialty crop farmers have faced from rising labor, production, and interest expenses, and growing import competition.
Smith: The assistance is available to farmers who planted specialty crops in 2025 and reported those acres to the Farm Service Agency.
Munch: Eligible crops generally include fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, though there are some exceptions. Floriculture, nursery crops, herbs, hops, and several other horticulture crops are excluded. Additionally, if crops are grown entirely in controlled environments, such as greenhouses or hoop houses, they are not eligible, except for mushrooms.
Smith: USDA is already preparing pre-filled applications for eligible farmers.
Munch: Farmers can access those applications online starting June 1, or they can visit their local FSA office beginning June 8, with the application deadline on August 7. And it's just important to note that this is a bridge assistance program, and does not make farmers whole. For many growers, it will assist with cash flow.
Smith: For more information, visit the Market Intel page at fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.

What We're Saying

House of Representatives Passes 2026 Farm Bill

Apr 30, 2026

AFBF Calls for House Farm Bill Passage This Week

Apr 28, 2026

AFBF Analysis Details Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Payments

Apr 23, 2026

Nationwide Survey: Most Farmers Can’t Afford Fertilizer

Apr 14, 2026
 

Top Issues

Farm Bill Trade Healthier America Sustainability Regulatory Reform Rural Broadband Labor Fertilizer
VIEW ALL

Trending Topics

Farm Economy Farm Labor Farm Bill Trade E15 ACE Summit
VIEW ALL