Payment rates, application deadline set for specialty crop program

Payment rates for eligible crops and an enrollment period for the USDA’s Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program have been set.

The program, which includes $1.625 billion in funding for eligible specialty crop producers, was announced in February and is built on a framework similar to the first Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP1). The USDA uses internal data to establish overall eligibility and determine various payment rates based on national averages.

Eligible crops were divided into categories, with Tier 1 crops eligible to receive $650 per acre, Tier 2 crops $225 per acre and Tier 3 crops $65 per acre. Eligible beans and pea crops are eligible for $25 per acre.

The potato payment rate is $225 per acre, with a payment cap of $250,000 per entity. Any entity with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) above $900,000 is ineligible for relief.

The ASCF application deadline is Aug. 7. re-filled ASCF applications will be available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage report by April 24.

Producers who have a Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application starting June 1. Producers who do not have a Login.gov account or prefer to enroll in person at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office can request their prefilled application beginning June 8.

Visit the ASCF program page for more information.

The ASCF’s February announcement left organizations including the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance and the National Potato Council calling for additional aid for growers affected by high yields, market disruptions driven by international uncertainty and tariff turmoil, and continuing economic pressures.