Specialty crop growers must submit their acreage reports by March 13 to qualify for payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program. Farmers who meet the deadline are expected to receive prefilled applications in April, with payments likely arriving within days after approval.
The program is part of a broader $12 billion federal farmer assistance package, which included $11 billion for major commodity crops and $1 billion specifically for specialty crops. USDA says payment rates will vary depending on the value of each crop.
USDA officials delayed the specialty crop rollout to gather more data on the sector and better understand growers' needs. Some producers remain concerned that new requirements—such as acreage reporting—could limit participation, since many specialty crop farms do not routinely submit these reports.
After the March 13 reporting deadline, USDA will determine eligible acreage, set payment rates, and release final program rules. Farmers will then confirm their applications online or through local Farm Service Agency offices before payments are issued.
Source: www.farmprogress.com
