USDA rolls out $1 billion aid package for specialty crop growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will provide $1 billion in assistance to specialty crop and sugar producers through a new Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program, offering one-time bridge payments to offset market disruptions and elevated input costs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the support is intended to address persistent inflation and losses tied to foreign competitors’ trade practices that have limited export opportunities.

The program, administered by the Farm Service Agency under the authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation, covers a broad range of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and other specialty crops, including almonds, apples, citrus, coffee, grapes, potatoes and tomatoes, as well as sugar. Dry edible beans and peas already covered under the separate Farmer Bridge Assistance program are excluded. Payments will be based on reported 2025 planted acreage.

Producers must report their 2025 acreage to local Farm Service Agency offices by 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026. Commodity-specific payment rates are expected by the end of March. While crop insurance coverage is not required to qualify, USDA encouraged growers to use new risk management tools authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to manage future price volatility.