USDA OPENS ENROLLMENT FOR SPECIALTY CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced payment rates and enrollment details for the new Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program, providing $1.625 billion in assistance to eligible specialty crop producers nationwide.

For Washington potato growers, the program offers a payment rate of $225 per planted acre for eligible 2025 potato acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) by the April 24, 2026 acreage reporting deadline.

Key program details include:

• Potato payment rate: $225 per acre
• Maximum payment: $250,000 per eligible entity
• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limit: Producers with an AGI above $900,000 are not eligible for assistance
• Eligible acres: Eligible commodities and their designated categories are outlined on pages 5 and 6 of the final rule.

The ASCF program was developed to help specialty crop producers offset rising production costs and ongoing market challenges. Payment rates were established by USDA using national averages and agency data.

Producers with a Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application beginning June 1, 2026. Those who prefer to enroll through their local FSA office may request a pre-filled application beginning June 8, 2026.

The enrollment period closes August 7, 2026.

The Washington State Potato Commission encourages growers to review their eligibility and submit applications as early as possible. Growers with questions about the program should contact their local FSA office for assistance. Additional program information, eligibility requirements, and enrollment instructions are available through USDA's Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers program resources.