specialty crops

As 2025 came to a close the USDA announced $12 billion in bridge payments to provide some relief for America’s farmers.

The USDA is awarding $8.3 million in funding to help 11 U.S. recipients address their trade barriers and expand international market access for specialty crops.

If you’re a member of the specialty crop industry in the Beaver State, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is asking you to take part in a new survey.

America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture.

American agriculture is still facing an uphill battle in finding enough labor for their farms.  Mike McCarthy, a specialty crop grower from Hood River, OR, recently shared his experiences with members of Congress.   “We're in a fruit-growing area, and we grow apples, pears, and cherries, along with a lot of other farmers in that area," McCarthy said.  "It's what you'd c...

Officials with the White House, Department of Labor, and USDA recently hosted a roundtable with farmers and ranchers to talk about labor challenges facing agriculture.  North Carolina Farm Bureau member Faylene Whitaker says the conversation centered around two main topics.   “...

On Tuesday, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a second round of payments for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program.  Rollins said this will provide up to $1.3 billion in additional program assistance.  FSA pro...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding.  In 2025, USDA will make approximately $2 million available to Ag industry associations, producer groups, processors, commodity commissions, non-profits, for-profits, and local government agencies in Oregon.  Funding...

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products.  The programs will also help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events.   ...

What is behind a recent adjustment in minimum crop acreage reporting dimensions? The explanation by USDA Farm Service Agency acting deputy Administrator John Berge starts with why acreage reporting is important for producers.    “The best way to gain entry into our programs, whether it's risk management or finance or disaster payments, is to utilize an acreage report in order to do that.”    Yet .