The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a substantial support initiative for specialty crop farmers, allocating $1 billion through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program (ASCF). This funding aims to assist producers of specialty crops and sugar, which have not been included in the earlier Farmer Bridge Assistance program.
In a statement made on March 1, 2025, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins indicated that these one-time payments are designed to mitigate market disruptions, increased input costs, and ongoing inflation. Producers are also facing challenges from foreign competitors using unfair trade practices that hinder exports. Specialty crop farmers must report their 2025 planting acreage to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency by March 13, 2025.
“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 Program,” Rollins stated. He emphasized that specialty crop producers continue to endure negative impacts from rising inflation and a weakened farm safety net, which has delayed disaster assistance.
Rollins warned that if these farmers cannot sustain their operations, American families could experience a decline in the availability of nutritious fruits and vegetables. He added, “Putting Farmers First is essential to the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement, and we are doing both at USDA by expanding market opportunities and improving the farm economy for all producers.”
Details of the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program
The ASCF Program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by the Farm Service Agency. The eligible specialty crops for this program include a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other agricultural products. Notable examples include almond, apple, avocado, blueberry, carrot, and watermelon, among others.
Farmers who produce dry edible beans and peas that are covered by the Farmer Bridge Assistance program will not be eligible for ASCF benefits. The payment amounts will be based on the acreage reported for the 2025 planting season. Eligible farmers are encouraged to ensure their acreage reporting is accurate and submitted by 5 p.m. ET on March 13.
Commodity-specific payment rates are expected to be announced by the end of March. While participation in crop insurance is not a prerequisite for the ASCF Program, the USDA strongly recommends that producers consider the new risk management tools provided under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These tools aim to protect farmers from price volatility and risks in the future.
The USDA’s announcement comes at a critical time as farmers navigate an unpredictable economic landscape. By providing this assistance, the department aims to bolster the agricultural sector and ensure that essential food supplies remain stable for American consumers.
