Specialty Crop Farmers: Don’t Miss This FSA Deadline
If you're like me, you always told once, told twice, and reminded of any FSA programs, so I am telling you the first time for this one.
The USDA has announced the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is providing $1.625 billion in one-time aid through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
Danny Munch with the American Farm Bureau Federation said, "The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program provides $1.625 billion in one-time economic assistance to fruit, vegetable, and tree nut growers. The goal is to help offset some of the financial pressures specialty crop farmers have faced."
The program is open to producers who planted eligible specialty crops in 2025 and reported those acres to the Farm Service Agency. There are some exceptions, though.
Munch explained, "Eligible crops generally include fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, though there are some exceptions. Floriculture, nursery crops, herbs, hops, and several other horticulture crops are excluded. Additionally, if crops are grown entirely in controlled environments, such as greenhouses or hoop houses, they are not eligible, except for mushrooms."
Munch emphasized that the intention of this program is not to make farmers whole, but it can help with cash flow.
For more information, contact your local FSA office or review the American Farm Bureau Federation Market Intel report on the 2025 Specialty Crop Bridge Payments Program: https://www.fb.org/market-intel/2025-specialty-crop-bridge-payments-finalized
