NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Chad Wegley
Phone: (559) 591-0800
Email: cw@altaid.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2026
$1 Billion in Funding Available for Specialty Crop Growers Through USDA Assistance Program
Growers Must Report 2025 Crop Acreage by March 13, 2026, Deadline
DINUBA , CA – Specialty crop growers may be eligible for financial assistance through the U.S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program.
The program makes $1 billion available for one-time assistance directly to specialty crop growers to help address ongoing challenges such as market disruptions, elevated input costs, inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors.
“This funding comes at a time when many growers are facing ongoing economic challenges,” said Chad Wegley, General Manager of Alta Irrigation District and Director of the Kings River East Groundwater Sustainability Agency. “Our region produces a variety of specialty crops, and this assistance provides growers with an opportunity to reinvest in their operations and continue supporting local agriculture.”
A broad range of specialty crops are eligible for funding under the program, including almonds, pistachios, and other tree nuts, grapes (including raisins), citrus, and other fruits, vegetables, and special commodities. A full list of eligible crops is available here. Under the program, payments will be based on acres planted in 2025, with payment rates for each eligible commodity expected to be announced by the USDA by the end of March.
Growers across the state continue to face increasing pressures from rising production costs, market uncertainty, and evolving requirements under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Programs like Specialty Crop Farmers Program provide timely support as growers work to adapt while maintaining productive agricultural operations.
The ASCF Program is part of USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which previously announced funding in December to support row crop growers. This additional funding expands assistance to specialty crop operations facing similar economic challenges.
Growers must report their 2025 planted acreage and submit applications through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency by March 13, 2026. Acreage reports should include each crop grown and the number of acres planted per commodity.
To learn more and to apply online, visit the Farm Service Agency website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/farmer-bridge-assistance-fba-program
For assistance, contact your local Farm Service Agency office:
Visalia Office
(559) 734-8732
3530 W Orchard Ct.
Visalia, CA 93277
Fresno Office
(559) 276-7494
4625 W Jennifer Ave Ste 109
Fresno, CA 93722
Hanford Office
(559) 585-8732
680 Campus Dr. Ste C
Hanford, CA 93230
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