USDA unveils $1.625B relief program for specialty crop farmers
USDA has announced the new Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program, providing approximately $1.625 billion in one-time payments to specialty crop producers across the country. The program is intended to help growers offset rising production costs and market disruptions resulting from foreign trade challenges and ongoing economic pressures.
The ASCF Program covers a broad range of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, berries, grapes, mushrooms, floriculture products and other specialty commodities. Payment rates will vary by crop category:
- Tier 1 crops: $650 per acre
- Tier 2 crops: $225 per acre
- Tier 3 crops: $65 per acre
- Eligible beans and peas: $25 per acre
Thousands of specialty crop producers nationwide may qualify for assistance, with eligible crops including blueberries, onions, strawberries, peaches, watermelons, cucumbers, squash, sweet potatoes, pecans, apples, cherries, almonds, grapes, and numerous vegetable and horticultural crops. Payment amounts will be based on eligible 2025 planted acreage reported to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
To be eligible for the program, producers must:
- Have planted eligible specialty crops during the 2025 crop year.
- Have filed acreage reports (Form FSA-578) with FSA by April 24, 2026.
- Submit an ASCF application (Form CCC-556) by August 7, 2026.
Applications will be available beginning June 1, 2026, through USDA’s online application portal. County FSA offices will begin accepting applications on June 8, 2026. USDA has indicated that payments will begin shortly after applications are approved.
Payments are capped at $250,000 per person or legal entity, and applicants must meet USDA eligibility requirements, including adjusted gross income limitations.
Specialty crop producers are encouraged to review their acreage reporting records and contact their local FSA office to confirm eligibility and application requirements. Additional information, including program details and application materials, is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/ascf.