USDA expanding funding for specialty crop growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program, to now include medium-sized businesses, in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.

The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses.

Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses, beginning July 1, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.

“The FSCSC program helps producers cover costs of on-farm food safety certification, in order to meet regulatory requirements and access additional markets,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We recognize the value in supporting specialty crop producers incurring these expenses, so we’re not only continuing the program, but also improving access, by expanding program reach to include medium-sized operations.”

FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing its certification, as well as a portion of related expenses. Eligible FSCSC applicants must be a specialty crop operation; meet the definition of a small or medium-size business; and have paid eligible expenses related to certification.

FSCSC payments are calculated separately for each eligible cost category. Details about payment rates and limitations are available at farmers.gov.

The FSA will issue payments as applications are processed and approved.