Specialty Crop Assistance
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program that was announced late last year.
Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the funds are part of the USDA’s broader Farmer Bridge Assistance Program …
MUNCH … “So, 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 from rising labor, production, and interest expenses, and growing import competition.”
The assistance is available to farmers who planted specialty crops in 2025 and reported those acres to the Farm Service Agency …
MUNCH … “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.”
USDA is already preparing pre-filled applications for eligible farmers …
MUNCH … “Farmers can access those applications online starting June 1, or they can visit their local FSA office beginning June 8, with the application deadline on August 7.
Munch says it's important to note that this is a bridge assistance program, and does not make farmers whole. For many growers, it will assist with cash flow.”
For more, visit the Market Intel page on the Farm Bureau website at www.fb.org .
