There has been a lot of discussion over the past few months about federal assistance for specialty crop growers. USDA has now released the official enrollment details and payment rates for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program, providing much needed clarity for growers across California and the country.
The program will provide up to $1.625 billion in assistance to eligible specialty crop producers who were impacted by rising production costs and market disruptions during the 2025 growing season. For many growers facing higher labor, fertilizer, water, financing, and marketing costs, these payments are intended to provide some short term financial relief while the industry continues working through challenging market conditions.
What Is the ASCF Program?
The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program was created to help specialty crop producers address elevated input costs and market disruptions that affected farm profitability during the 2025 growing season. According to USDA, the program is intended to help growers cover production and marketing expenses while supporting the long term competitiveness of specialty crop agriculture.
Unlike some previous assistance programs, the ASCF program uses acreage that has already been reported to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Many producers will receive pre-filled applications, making enrollment much simpler than traditional program sign-ups.
Key program highlights:
- $1.625 billion available nationwide
- Administered through USDA Farm Service Agency
- Based on 2025 reported acreage
- Payments tied to eligible specialty crops
- Applications processed through a streamlined system
For growers who already reported acreage, much of the paperwork has already been completed.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is based primarily on having eligible specialty crop acreage reported to FSA for the 2025 crop year. Producers must have timely filed acreage reports and meet standard USDA eligibility requirements.
California growers should pay particular attention, as many of the state's major crops are included in the program. Eligible specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and numerous other specialty commodities. Almonds, cherries, peaches, grapes, citrus, walnuts, pistachios, and many vegetable crops are included.
General eligibility requirements include:
- U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Eligible specialty crop acreage reported for 2025
- Acreage reported to FSA by April 24, 2026
- Compliance with USDA program requirements
- Eligible crop reported with qualifying intended use
For many California growers, the most important question is simply whether acreage was reported correctly and on time.
How Much Are the Payments?
USDA has structured payments into four different tiers based on the average annual revenue generated by each crop. Higher value specialty crops receive higher per acre payment rates while lower revenue crops receive smaller payments.
Many California crops fall into Tier 2, which pays $225 per acre. According to USDA and industry analysis, crops such as almonds and wine grapes are included in this category. Some higher value crops such as strawberries, fresh grapes, blueberries, and sweet cherries qualify for the highest payment tier.
Current payment rates include:
- Tier 1: $650 per acre
- Tier 2: $225 per acre
- Tier 3: $65 per acre
- Beans and peas category: $25 per acre
While these payments will not fully offset grower losses, they can provide meaningful assistance as producers manage operating expenses and cash flow challenges.
Important Dates Farmers Should Know
USDA is encouraging producers to enroll online via Login.gov because applications can be submitted faster and payments processed more quickly. Growers who prefer to work through their local FSA office will still have that option.
The application process is expected to move relatively quickly compared to many traditional USDA programs.
Important dates:
- June 1, 2026: Online enrollment opens
- June 8, 2026: FSA office enrollment begins
- August 7, 2026: Enrollment deadline
- Payments begin after application approval
- Pre-filled applications available for eligible producers
Growers should not wait until the last minute to verify eligibility and complete enrollment.
What This Means for California Growers
For California specialty crop producers, this program comes at a time when many operations continue to face significant financial pressure. Input costs remain elevated, labor remains difficult to find, financing costs have increased, and many export markets remain challenging.
Programs like ASCF are not designed to replace farm income. They are intended to provide temporary support and help operations maintain stability while broader market conditions improve. For growers producing almonds, peaches, cherries, grapes, citrus, and other specialty crops, these payments may help offset a portion of recent cost increases.
What growers should do now:
- Verify acreage reporting records
- Confirm crop eligibility
- Create or update Login.gov accounts
- Contact local FSA offices with questions
- Prepare enrollment documents early
The growers who prepare early will likely have the smoothest experience once enrollment begins.
Final Thought
The release of payment rates finally gives specialty crop growers the information they have been waiting for. While the assistance will not solve every challenge facing agriculture, it does provide eligible producers with an opportunity to recover a portion of the costs and market disruptions experienced during the 2025 season.
If you are a specialty crop grower, now is the time to verify your acreage records, understand your eligibility, and prepare your application before enrollment opens.
Programs like this can only help if growers take advantage of them.
Helpful Resources
USDA ASCF Program Information
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/assistance-specialty-crop-farmers-ascf-program
USDA Announcement
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/05-29-2026/usda-announces-enrollment-period-payment-rates-specialty-crop-farmers
Farmers.gov
https://www.farmers.gov
Login.gov Account Setup
https://www.login.gov
Need Help Keeping Farm Operations Moving?
While you are handling reporting, compliance, and program enrollment, fieldwork still needs to be done.
Agnomy helps growers connect with trusted agricultural service providers for spraying, irrigation, labor, orchard work, harvesting, and other critical services. Find qualified providers, request quotes, and keep your operation moving forward.
FAQ
What is the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program?
The ASCF Program is a USDA assistance program designed to help specialty crop producers offset rising production costs and market disruptions experienced during the 2025 growing season.
Who qualifies for ASCF payments?
Eligible producers must have qualifying specialty crop acreage reported to USDA Farm Service Agency for the 2025 crop year and meet USDA eligibility requirements.
What crops are eligible for ASCF?
Eligible crops include many fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, grapes, citrus, cherries, peaches, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and other specialty crops.
How much will farmers receive?
Payment rates vary by crop category and range from $25 per acre to $650 per acre depending on the crop's assigned payment tier.
When can farmers apply?
Online enrollment opens June 1, 2026. Local FSA office enrollment begins June 8, 2026. The enrollment deadline is August 7, 2026.
Do I need to report acreage to qualify?
Yes. Eligible acreage must have been reported to USDA Farm Service Agency according to program requirements.
