Assistance For Specialty Crop Growers Announced

USDA recently announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program. Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the funds are part of the USDA’s broader Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

Coverage Includes Crops Grown In Controlled Environments

“So, the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program provides $1.625 billion in one-time economic assistance to fruit, vegetable, and tree nut growers," Munch said. "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 FSA.

“Eligible crops generally include fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, though there are some exceptions," Munch added. "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.”

This Is Just Assistance, It Does Not Make Farmers Whole

Munch said USDA is already preparing pre-filled applications for eligible farmers.

“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," he said. "And it's just 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.”

Click Here to learn more about the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program.