The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially opened enrollment for its Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program—and for California almond growers, this is a time-sensitive opportunity to secure direct financial support.
Online applications are now open as of June 1, giving growers immediate access to apply. For those who prefer to work directly with their local office, in-person enrollment at Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices begins June 8. The application window closes on Aug. 7, 2026.
What Almond Growers Need to Know
Almonds are classified as a Tier 2 specialty crop, making them eligible for $225 per acre under the program. But that payment is tied to 2025 planted acreage that was already reported to FSA by the April 24, 2026 deadline, so eligibility depends on acreage filings that should already be on record.
Key program details include:
- $225 per acre for almonds (Tier 2)
- Based on 2025 planted acres
- $250,000 payment limit per producer
- $900,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) cap
Payments will be issued as applications are approved, and those who apply early, especially online, may see funds arrive sooner.
Apply Early: Online Access Now Available
One of the biggest advantages this year is the ability to apply online right away. Growers who filed their 2025 crop acreage report on time and have a Login.gov account can access a pre-filled application, review it, and submit it within minutes.
To get started, visit https://fsa.usda.gov/ascf.
Starting June 8, growers can also request their pre-filled application and complete it in person at their local FSA county office.
Why Acting Early Matters
USDA has allocated $1.625 billion for the ASCF Program to help specialty crop growers manage increased costs and market pressures. While the application window runs through early August, early applicants are positioned to move through the system faster and receive payments earlier in the process.
With a simplified application and pre-filled forms, the program is designed to minimize paperwork and speed up delivery, but only for those who take advantage of the early enrollment window.
Eligibility at a Glance
To qualify, almond acreage must already have been on file with FSA before enrollment opened. That means the acreage needed to be:
- Reported to FSA by April 24, 2026
- Planted as a commercial crop (not reported as cover crop, grazing, or non-harvest use)
Bottom Line
For almond growers, the ASCF Program offers a clear, per-acre payment tied to existing acreage reporting – with enrollment already underway online and in-person sign-ups starting June 8.
With an Aug. 7 deadline and funding available now, the window to act is open and early applications could mean faster payments during a critical time.
