Washington, D.C. — May 29, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers through the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. The initiative responds to elevated input costs and market disruptions caused by foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that have impeded specialty crop exports.
Producers with Login.gov accounts can access pre-filled applications beginning June 1, 2026. Those without accounts, or who prefer in-person enrollment at their local Farm Service Agency office, may request applications starting June 8, 2026. The enrollment deadline is August 7, 2026.
The Trump administration continues to put Farmers First and is committed to ensuring the economic strength of our specialty crop operations.— Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA
The department cited its expedited application process and its One Farmer, One File system as ways it is working to accelerate payments to producers. The payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and administered by the Farm Service Agency.
Payment rates
- Tier 1 — $650 per acre for eligible specialty crops with average annual revenue exceeding $10,000 per acre
- Tier 2 — $225 per acre for average annual revenue of $2,300 to $10,000 per acre
- Tier 3 — $65 per acre for average annual revenue up to $2,300 per acre
- Beans and peas — $25 per acre
The ASCF payment limitation is $250,000 per producer. Full program details and application information are available from the USDA Farm Service Agency at fsa.usda.gov.