The USDA Farm Service Agency announced Tuesday that it is reopening the 2025 crop acreage reporting period for specialty crop producers who want to apply for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program. Eligible producers now have until Friday, April 24, 2026, to report their 2025 planted acres to FSA.

The ASCF program, announced by United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on February 13, is designed to address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. The program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

ASCF payments will be based on reported 2025 planted acres. USDA will release commodity-specific payment rates after the acreage reporting deadline closes. Crop insurance will not be required for participation, although USDA encourages producers to consider the risk management tools available under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Although crop insurance is not required for ASCF, the USDA’s recommendation to explore risk management tools comes as farmers face greater risk with the removal of a planting insurance option, increasing the stakes for producers navigating volatile markets.

As specialty crop producers navigate market volatility, some are also exploring production methods that could reduce input costs. Kansas farmers are finding that regenerative agriculture offers both crop improvement and environmental benefits, a strategy that could complement assistance programs.

Eligible specialty crops span a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other products, including almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries, cherries, garlic, grapes, lettuce, pecans, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, and walnuts, among dozens of others. Dry edible beans and peas covered by the separate Farmer Bridge Assistance program are not eligible for ASCF.

Source - https://kiowacountypress.net