The Details: $225 Per Acre for Watermelon Growers
The USDA has unveiled the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program, providing approximately $1.625 billion in assistance to specialty crop producers nationwide. Watermelon is included in Tier 2 of the program, with eligible growers receiving payments of $225 per acre based on 2025 planted acreage reported to the Farm Service Agency.
To qualify, producers must have planted eligible crops during the 2025 crop year, filed their acreage reports to the FSA by April 24, 2026, and submit an ASCF application by August 7, 2026. Online applications began on June 1, with county office applications becoming available June 8. USDA has indicated that payments will begin shortly after applications are approved, providing assistance to growers during the 2026 season.
What It Means for Watermelon Growers |
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For watermelon growers, the ASCF Program signifies an important acknowledgment of the challenges facing specialty crop agriculture. Escalating labor costs, increasing input expenses, transportation challenges, inflation, and market uncertainty have made the past seasons tough for producers.While the $225 per acre won’t solve every challenge facing the industry, it offers a substantial boost that can help ease some of the financial pressures. For a grower with 500 acres of eligible watermelon production could see around $112,500 in assistance. Just as importantly, USDA’s decision to include watermelon reflects growing recognition that fruit and vegetable producers face challenges distinct from those affecting traditional program crops. |