Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is distributing $1.625 billion in one-time bridge payments to specialty crop producers through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program, CFDA 10.991, with eligibility determined by reported 2025 crop production and an April 24, 2026 reporting deadline.

ASCF provides emergency assistance to producers growing specialty crops not covered under the previously announced Farm Bridge Assistance program, responding to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, meet average adjusted gross income limits, and have reported eligible specialty crops for 2025 to FSA by the earlier of deadlines established in 7 CFR Part 718 or April 24, 2026. FSA will approve and award payments directly to qualified applicants. Recipients must retain documentation supporting their application for three years after approval and submit verification documentation to FSA upon request.

The source provides no recent grant awards portfolio data, award cadence, assistance-type characterization, or information on typical award magnitudes. No open grant opportunities or NOFOs are described in the source. The program represents a one-time appropriation rather than a standing annual funding cycle, suggesting this is emergency or bridge relief rather than a recurring grant solicitation.

The April 24, 2026 deadline for reporting 2025 crop production is the operative date for eligibility determination. Specialty crop producers should verify their commodity eligibility and income status against FSA's definitions before the reporting deadline.