USDA provides financial assistance for specialty crop producers

Submitted by tim on Mon, 06/15/2026 - 05:35

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets USDA has announced the enrollment period and payment rates for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program, which will deliver $1.625 billion to producers facing elevated input costs and market disruptions tied to unfair foreign trade practices.

Payments will be issued as applications are approved, with tiered rates based on crop type: $650/acre (Tier 1), $225/acre (Tier 2), $65/acre (Tier 3), and $25/acre for beans and peas, with a $250,000 payment cap. Payment rates will be based on the 2025 crop year.

Visit the ASCF webpage to learn more about eligibility details, crop lists, and revenue‑per‑acre methodology.

Producers with a Login.gov account can access and submit their pre‑filled applications online. Producers without a Login.gov account—or who prefer in‑person enrollment—may request their pre‑filled application from their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

The enrollment window closes August 7.

Learn more

Summer Events for Farm and Restaurant Partnerships
The Local Food in Practice: Restaurant & Farm Partnerships series picks up this summer with five more opportunities to connect across the supply chain. Visit The Putney Diner on June 16 for a look at how a busy Southern Vermont kitchen approaches local sourcing. Then join us later this summer at Root 5 Farm in Fairlee, Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Snow Farm/Ellison Estate Vineyard in South Hero, and Lemon Fair Honeyworks in Cornwall. All events are free to attend.

Learn more

Livestock Water System Workshop
Join UVM Extension on June 30 at Morrill Hall Randolph Commons at Vermont State University for a workshop on livestock water systems, power and grounding, troubleshooting, wire and bracing, and both permanent and temporary systems. The day includes an outdoor demonstration on building an H brace. Space is limited, so register early. Learn about water system design and implementation; pumps, pressure tanks, tubs, and float valves; alternative water systems; and available grant assistance.

Register now

Participate in Open Farm Week
Open Farm Week is back! After a brief hiatus in 2025, NOFA-VT is reviving this beloved mid-summer agritourism event that invites the public to visit participating farms across the state. Is your farm interested in inviting visitors to explore local agriculture through farm tours, tastings, on-farm dinners, workshops, and more? Let NOFA-VT know! Open Farm Week will happen August 2-9. Farms are encouraged to host events open to the public during that week, and NOFA-VT will promote them in collaboration with food system partners. There is no fee to participate this year.

Register now

Farm Visitors Bring Opportunity and Risk

Farms are inherently risky environments and can face significant legal liability because of it. Adding agritourism activities increases those risks by intentionally inviting visitors onto your property. Whether you host farm tours, pick-your-own opportunities, dinners, events, or educational activities, it is important to protect both your guests and your business.

This month on the blog, we explore ways to assess, reduce, and transfer that risk to protect yourself and your farm.

Read the blog

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

July
7/15 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program application due

Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!

Vermont Business Magazine