Bill would create permanent disaster aid program for specialty crop farmers

What does this do?

This bill would create a permanent federal system to pay specialty crop farmers—those growing fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nursery plants—when disasters or major market problems hurt their businesses. The Secretary of Agriculture would set a formula based on past sales, adjusted for losses, and account for the higher costs and varied business structures of specialty crop farms. Payment limits would apply per person or company, though full-time farmers could get higher payments of at least $500,000 if the Secretary approves.

Who does it affect?

Specialty crop farmers and growers, particularly in states like California, would be directly affected. USDA would also be affected, as it would need to create and run the new program.

Why does it matter?

The program would shift specialty crops from ad hoc disaster relief to an ongoing federal payment structure, changing how USDA handles these losses going forward.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Ongoing federal payments, not one-time relief
• Payment limits apply per person or entity
• Full-time farmers could get $500,000+

Where does it stand?