Federal Assistance Available Now: USDA Specialty Crop Program

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
 
Separately, the USDA Farm Service Agency has announced $1.625 billion in assistance for specialty crop growers through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. This is a one-time bridge payment based on reported 2025 planted acres, and key deadlines are approaching fast.

Key Dates:
  • June 1, 2026: Online enrollment opens 
  • June 8, 2026: Enrollment opens at FSA County Offices
  • August 7, 2026: Application deadline


Grapes are eligible under this program. Fresh grapes qualify for $650 per acre (Tier 1) and processed grapes for $225 per acre (Tier 2). The payment limit is $250,000 per producer.

To be eligible, producers must have reported eligible acres for the 2025 crop year by April 24, 2026.

Learn more and apply at: www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/assistance-specialty-crop-farmers-ascf-program!

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New York Wine & Grape Foundation

The mission of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy.