California Specialty Crop Growers: Have You Applied Yet?

If you grow fruits, vegetables or tree nuts in California, here's another reminder: USDA's Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is still accepting applications. The program is providing $1.625 billion in one-time assistance through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the funding is intended to help offset higher labor, production and interest expenses. It's also meant to help growers facing increased import competition.

Payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres. Producers who planted eligible specialty crops in 2025 and reported those acres to the Farm Service Agency may qualify.

Not every acre counts toward a payment. Cover crops and prevented planted acres are excluded. So are acres intended for grazing, forage, silage, green manure, volunteer crops or experimental use. Specialty crops grown entirely in controlled environments, such as greenhouses or hoop houses, also are not eligible, except for mushrooms.

Applications are available online or through local Farm Service Agency offices through this Friday, August 7.