The details for the USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program have finally been released. Bridge payments totaling $1.625 billion will be made available, up from the $1 billion that was expected. The payments are broken into three tiers. Potatoes are listed in Tier 2, making the crop eligible for a payment of $225 per acre. Beyond the three tiers, there is a special category for beans and peas, including the pinto, black, kidney and Great Northern beans grown in this region. ASCF payments are subject to a $250,000 payment limitation and excludes participants with an adjusted gross income above $900,000. The application deadline is August 7.
