Feb 16, 2026Aid announcement leaves specialty crop growers calling for more help
Specialty crop growers renewed calls for at least $5 billion in dedicated aid after a Feb. 13 announcement of $1 billion in one-time federal bridge payments.
USDA said the assistance for specialty crops and sugar producers “will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports.”
Producers have until March 13 to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), which will administer the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program (ASCF).
For tree nut growers navigating soft export markets and rising production costs, the program could provide short-term relief.
“Today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. “If our specialty crop producers are not economically able to continue their operations, American families will see a decrease in the food they rely on, wholesome and nutritious fruits and vegetables.”
In December, USDA announced $11 billion in aid to row crop growers affected by high yields and tariff turmoil under the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) said in a Feb. 13 statement it was seeking additional ASCF program details.
“The hard truth is that even with today’s announcement more help is needed, which is why we continue to urge Congress to provide not less than $5 billion in dedicated aid for the specialty crop sector,” SCFBA said in a statement.
This support is critical to the continued sustainability of American agriculture and the communities specialty crop producers serve.”
SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.
The organization has urged specialty crop relief similar to the USDA’s Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. Last July, a second round of MASC payments totaling $1.3 billion was released to specialty crop growers, bringing total assistance to help offset rising input costs and aid in the expansion of domestic markets to $2.65 million.
