The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant assistance program aimed at supporting specialty crop farmers impacted by market disruptions. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins revealed that the USDA will provide $1 billion through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. This funding is designed to aid farmers of specialty crops and sugar—commodities not included in the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program.
Targeting Economic Challenges for Farmers
The ASCF program seeks to alleviate issues stemming from elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses due to unfair trade practices from foreign competitors. Farmers of specialty crops have until March 13, 2026, to report their 2025 acreage to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
During the announcement, Secretary Rollins emphasized the administration’s commitment to farmers, stating, “President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program.” He highlighted the ongoing economic challenges faced by producers since the Biden Administration took office, attributing these difficulties to record inflation and a weakened farm safety net.
Rollins further noted, “If our specialty crop producers are not economically able to continue their operations, American families will see a decrease in the food they rely on, wholesome and nutritious fruits and vegetables.” He reiterated the administration’s goal of improving market opportunities and the overall farm economy.
Details of the Assistance Program
The ASCF program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by the FSA. Eligible specialty crops include a wide range of produce, such as:
- Almonds, Apples, Avocados
- Beans (snap, lima, and dry edible)
- Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower
- Fruits like Bananas, Blueberries, and Cherries
- Vegetables including Broccoli, Spinach, and Tomatoes
It is important to note that dry edible beans and peas covered by the FBA will not be eligible for assistance under the ASCF program. Payments will be calculated based on the reported acreage of specialty crops planted in 2025.
Eligible farmers are urged to ensure their acreage reporting is accurate by the deadline of 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026. Specific payment rates for commodities will be disclosed by the end of March. While crop insurance is not a requirement for the ASCF program, the USDA strongly encourages producers to utilize the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for risk management to mitigate price volatility.
For more information on the ASCF program, farmers can visit www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or contact their local FSA county office.
