Specialty crop farmers may soon see financial relief

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new $1.625 billion Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) Program to help producers facing rising production costs and export market disruptions. The program is aimed at specialty crop growers affected by foreign trade practices that USDA says have harmed U.S. exports.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the program is intended to provide quick financial assistance to specialty crop producers while the administration works to expand domestic and international markets for American agricultural products.

Enrollment Begins June 1

Farmers with a Login.gov account and a timely filed 2025 acreage report can begin accessing and submitting pre-filled applications online starting June 1, 2026. Producers who prefer in-person assistance may request applications through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office beginning June 8, 2026. The enrollment period closes August 7, 2026.

USDA says payments will begin flowing as applications are approved, potentially as early as the first week of enrollment.

Payment Rates

Payment amounts will vary by crop category:

Tier 1: $650 per acre for specialty crops averaging more than $10,000 in annual revenue per acre.

Tier 2: $225 per acre for crops averaging between $2,300 and $10,000 per acre.

Tier 3: $65 per acre for crops averaging up to $2,300 per acre.

Beans and Peas: $25 per acre for eligible bean and pea crops not previously covered by the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.

The maximum payment available to an individual producer is $250,000.

Who Qualifies?

Eligible acreage must have been reported to FSA by April 24, 2026, and must be associated with qualifying specialty crops. Acreage reported as cover crops, grazing land, prevented planting, forage, experimental plots, and several other categories will not qualify for payments. Most controlled-environment specialty crops are excluded, with mushrooms being a notable exception.

Iowa Perspective

While Iowa is best known for corn and soybean production, the state also has specialty crop growers producing fruits, vegetables, nursery crops, and other high-value agricultural products. Eligible Iowa producers may benefit from the new program if their crops meet USDA requirements and acreage reporting deadlines.

More information

For more information or to determine eligibility, producers can contact their local Farm Service Agency office or visit USDA’s ASCF program website.