The co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) expressed disappointment in response to President Trump’s aid package for farmers that was announced on Monday.
The USDA announced that $12 billion will be made available in one time bridge payments to farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The payments are intended, partially, to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Act reach eligible producers on Oct. 1, 2026.
Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, providing relief to row crop farmers who grow such crops as corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, sorghum and soybeans; but not fruits and vegetables.
SCFBA Quote
“We are disappointed that specialty crop growers were not included in today’s announcement. As we wrote to the President on Oct. 6, 2025, family farms that produce safe and nutritious fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, as well as cultivate the trees, flowers and plants that play a vital role in the nation’s health and wellbeing, continue to face unprecedented economic challenges,” the SCFBA said in a press release.
“We stand ready to work with the administration and Congress to advance a meaningful assistance package to support specialty crop growers during this difficult period.”
The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance represents more than 150 organizations, consisting of growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products.
Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by Feb. 28, 2026.
The remaining $1 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA, though details are still under development.