New Lifeline for Specialty Crop Producers
Across the Southeast, many specialty crop growers facing tight margins could soon see some relief.
On February 13, the USDA announced one billion dollars in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program funding. The aid is aimed at producers of specialty crops and sugar that were not covered under the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance program. In the Southeast, that includes crops such as peaches, pecans, blueberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and watermelons. USDA says the payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Payments will be based on reported 2025 planted acres.
Producers have until March 13, 2026, to report their 2025 acreage to the Farm Service Agency. Applications can be submitted using a login.gov account linked to FSA information at farmers.gov. Commodity specific payment rates are expected by the end of March, and crop insurance linkage will not be required.
More information is available at fsa.usda.gov or through local FSA county offices.
