The Almond Alliance is encouraging eligible almond growers to enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program, which opened for online enrollment today.

Under the program, almonds are classified as a Tier 2 specialty crop and are eligible for payments of $225 per acre on qualifying acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Payments are capped at $250,000 per grower.

The ASCF Program will provide $1.625 billion in assistance to eligible specialty crop producers affected by higher production costs and market disruptions.

“This is a meaningful step forward for almond growers and a direct reflection of the sustained work to ensure specialty crops were not left behind,” Alexi Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Almond Alliance, said.

Rodriguez said the organization worked with industry partners and congressional leaders to help secure assistance for almond growers and encouraged eligible producers to enroll as soon as possible.

Growers with a Login.gov account can submit pre-filled applications online through USDA. Producers who prefer to enroll in person may begin the process June 8 through their local FSA office. The enrollment period closes Aug. 7, 2026. USDA said payments may be issued as applications are approved.