Farm Bureau Economist Details Enrollment Process for USDA Specialty Crop Relief Program

AFBF economist Danny Munch joins us to break down the program’s eligibility requirements and payment structure.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Relief is on the way for specialty crop growers facing rising production costs and negative margins.

Enrollment is now open for USDA’s Specialty Crop Assistance Program, which is rolling out an additional $1.6 billion in assistance to eligible producers.

American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the program and what growers need to know before applying.

During his conversation with RFD News, Munch provided background on the assistance program and explained how payments will be calculated for participating producers.

The discussion also covered eligibility requirements, key limitations and exclusions, as well as the application process for growers seeking assistance.

Related Stories
Lower U.S. and Mexican production means tighter sugar supplies and greater reliance on imports headed into 2026.
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
Early Cattle-on-Feed estimates point to slightly tighter cattle supplies, reinforcing the need to monitor prices and timing for winter marketing.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses price protection levels, recent market declines, and risk management strategies for producers.
The family-owned dairy has earned recognition for its contributions to the Registered Holstein breed.
Rob and Emily Sharkey discuss new episodes, finding guests and what keeps the show going.
Riders will retrace more than 1,900 miles of the historic Pony Express route.
The conference helps members develop leadership skills while creating plans to serve their communities.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses a new bipartisan surface transportation bill, industry efforts to address regulatory concerns, investments in truck parking and freight infrastructure, and the outlook for transportation policy.