The Almond Alliance encourages eligible almond growers to review and enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program, which opened for online enrollment today. 

Under the ASCF Program, almonds fall under Tier 2 and are eligible for payments of $225 per acre on qualifying acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Payments are subject to a $250,000 per-grower limit. 

The program will provide $1.625 billion in assistance to eligible specialty crop producers facing increased production costs and market disruptions. 

“This is a meaningful step forward for almond growers and a direct reflection of the sustained work to ensure specialty crops were not left behind,” said Alexi Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “The Almond Alliance has worked closely with industry partners and congressional leaders to make sure almond growers had a clear path to relief, and we appreciate USDA moving this program forward. We strongly encourage eligible growers to enroll as soon as possible. While this assistance does not fully offset the challenges facing our industry, it provides important support at a critical time, and we will continue advocating for additional targeted relief and long-term policy solutions for America’s almond industry.” 

Producers with a Login.gov account can access pre-filled applications and enroll online at fsa.usda.gov/ascf. Growers who prefer to enroll in person may begin the process on June 8 through their local FSA office. The enrollment period closes August 7, 2026, and USDA has indicated payments may be issued as applications are approved.