USDA Creates One-Time Aid Program for Specialty Crop Farmers
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule creates a one-time USDA payment program for farmers who grew eligible specialty crops in the 2025 crop year. The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program will provide about $1.625 billion in bridge payments to help producers manage higher input costs, weaker prices, inflation, tight credit, and trade-related pressure. The program affects specialty crop growers who planted eligible crops and filed the required acreage report with the Farm Service Agency by April 24, 2026. Eligible producers will need to apply through FSA and meet payment eligibility rules, including any payment limits.
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Key Changes
- Creates the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program for eligible 2025 specialty crop producers
- Makes about $1.625 billion available for one-time bridge payments
- Requires eligible producers to have filed crop acreage reports with FSA by April 24, 2026
Obligations
What this law requires
Specialty crop producers must file the required acreage report with the Farm Service Agency for eligible 2025 crop year specialty crops in order to qualify for ASCF Program payments.
Eligible specialty crop producers must apply through the Farm Service Agency to receive one-time ASCF Program bridge payments.
ASCF Program applicants must meet applicable payment eligibility rules, including any payment limitation requirements, to receive payments.