Increasing Disaster Aid Access for Specialty Crop Growers

A bipartisan bill could make it easier for specialty crop farmers in the Southeast to access federal disaster relief. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would remove income restrictions that currently prevent many specialty crop producers from receiving aid.

Bill One-Pager: https://www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Padilla-Tillis-Fair-Access-to-Ag-Disaster-Programs-Act-One-Pager_.pdf

Bill Full Text: https://www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Padilla-Tillis-Fair-Access-to-Ag-Disaster-Programs-Act-BILL-TEXT.pdf

Under current USDA rules, farmers with a combined farm and nonfarm income over $900,000 are excluded from most disaster relief programs. According to the bill’s sponsors, this threshold disproportionately affects producers of high-value specialty crops, who often face high land and input costs. The proposed legislation ensures that growers earning at least 75% of their income from agriculture can qualify for assistance, regardless of total earnings.

With the USDA distributing $21 billion in agricultural disaster assistance for 2023 and 2024 losses, this change would provide critical relief to farmers recovering from disasters.

If passed, the bill would expand access to key USDA programs that cover livestock, crop losses, and uninsured crops. Supporters say the change will help farmers recover more quickly and strengthen the nation’s food supply.