The United States Department of Agriculture opened new aid for specialty crop producers affected by rising costs and market disruptions. The program, administered by the Farm Service Agency, has $1.625 million and is aimed at farmers who produce fruits, vegetables, nuts, nursery crops and other products considered “specialty crops” by the USDA.

Online registration began June 1, 2026 for producers with a Login.gov account and pre-filled applications available. Starting June 8, farmers can also order or apply at local Farm Service Agency offices. The deadline to complete the process is August 7, 2026.

Who can enroll in the new USDA program

The aid corresponds to the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program, known as ASCF. According to USDA, the benefit is available to eligible specialty crop producers who reported acres planted in 2025 to the Farm Service Agency within the applicable deadline.

The program covers crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms, herbs, spices, nursery crops, flowers and other agricultural products included in the official list of eligible crops. This is not general aid for any farmer. The program is focused on specialty crop producers and payments are calculated on eligible planted acres reported for the 2025 production year.

You can see: The first tariff refund checks arrive: what you should know

Until when can it be applied

Producers have until August 7, 2026 to submit the full application. USDA reported that only one application is required for all eligible specialty crops nationwide. This means that a producer with different crops within the program does not need to complete a separate application for each product.

Applications can be completed online, through the FSA portal, or submitted to a local Farm Service Agency office.

How payments are calculated

Payments are based on eligible specialty crop planted acres reported for 2025. USDA established different per-acre rates depending on the type of crop and your national average income. Crops are grouped into payment levels.

Additionally, certain beans and peas that had not been included in the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program may receive a specific per acre rate under ASCF.

You can see: How much does a Walmart employee earn in the United States in 2026 and what benefits do they have?

When will payments begin

USDA reported that payments will be issued as applications are submitted and approved.

The agency indicated that the first payments could begin from the first week of the registration period, so producers who submit their application early and meet the requirements could receive the benefit before those who wait until the deadline.

What documents may be needed

Producers who have already participated in FSA programs likely have multiple forms registered in the system. However, those who are unsure should contact their local FSA office to confirm if they have the required documents in order.

Eligibility forms that may be required include conservation documents, adjusted gross income, payment information, and certifications of participation in federal agricultural programs.

How to apply

Farmers can apply in two ways. The first option is to do it online through a Login.gov account, if they have a pre-filled application available in the FSA system.

The second option is to contact your local Farm Service Agency office, where you can ask for assistance in obtaining or completing the application.

USDA recommends that producers review their planted acres and eligible crops information before submitting the form, especially if they believe FSA records do not accurately reflect their farming activity.

Why USDA launched this aid

USDA noted that the aid seeks to compensate specialty crop producers affected by high production costs and market problems. The program is part of a federal response to relieve economic pressure on farmers producing high-value foods who faced difficult conditions during the 2025 agricultural season.

For many producers, the benefit can help cover part of the operating costs associated with seeds, fertilizers, labor, transportation, packaging and other expenses linked to the production and marketing of specialty crops.

What farmers should check before applying

Before submitting the application, producers should confirm three main points:

It is also advisable to act before the deadline. Although the deadline expires on August 7, 2026, payments will be processed as applications are approved, so waiting until the last minute may delay collection.

Farmers with questions about eligibility, forms or reported acres should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.