The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to provide significant financial assistance to specialty crop farmers through the newly announced Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins revealed that this initiative will allocate $1 billion to support producers of specialty crops and sugar, which were not included in the earlier Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program.
These one-time payments aim to address various challenges facing farmers, including market disruptions, rising input costs, and the impact of inflation. According to Secretary Rollins, unfair trade practices by foreign competitors have significantly affected U.S. exports, further compounding the difficulties for specialty crop producers. Farmers must report their 2025 acres to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 13, 2026, to qualify for this financial assistance.
“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,” Rollins stated. He emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly during the past four years under the Biden Administration, citing record inflation and a depleted farm safety net as critical issues.
The ASCF program, authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, will be administered by the FSA. Eligible specialty crops for this program include a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Notable examples are almonds, apples, bananas, blueberries, and tomatoes, among others. A comprehensive list of qualifying crops is available, ensuring producers are well-informed about their options.
“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,” Rollins added. He reiterated that supporting farmers is essential for the broader goal of improving public health and nutrition.
ASCF payments will be calculated based on the reported 2025 planting acres. Eligible farmers are urged to ensure their acreage reports are accurate and submitted by the specified deadline. Additional details, including commodity-specific payment rates, will be released by the end of March.
While crop insurance linkage is not a requirement for the ASCF Program, the USDA strongly encourages farmers to utilize new risk management tools provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These tools are designed to help producers better protect themselves against price risks and market volatility in the future.
Farmers seeking more information about the ASCF Program can visit the USDA FSA website or contact their local FSA county office for assistance. This initiative represents a significant step toward supporting the agricultural community and ensuring the continued availability of essential food products for American consumers.
