Florida Congressman Scott Franklin (R) has helped secure $1 billion in funding for specialty crop farmers impacted by unfair market disruptions. He previously sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the USDA to support specialty crop farmers in the wake of unfair market disruptions.
“Florida’s specialty crop producers keep America fed and our local economies strong, yet they’re frequently last in line for federal relief,” Franklin said in a press release. “With labor shortages, higher input costs, and repeated hurricane losses, our growers need programs that fit specialty agriculture. USDA should deliver equitable, timely assistance so Florida farmers can recover and rebuild.”
Now, the USDA and the Trump administration announced a $12 billion Farmers Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), which provides broad relief to United States row crop farmers. FBA will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports.
Of the $12 billion, the government will reserve $1 billion for commodities not covered in the FBA Program—such as specialty crops and sugar—protecting many Florida growers who specialize in those crops.
“Specialty crops account for a significant portion of crop value in Florida, contribute substantially to the state's economy, and are cultivated in rural communities across the region. In the face of ongoing challenges, these family farms produce foods essential to the nation’s health and well-being,” Michael A. Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, said.
The bridge payments temporarily support farmers until the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) delivers its investments, such as new reference prices for major commodities like soybeans, corn, and wheat, to eligible producers in 2026.
“USDA is setting aside $1B for specialty crops — a top ask in a letter I recently led. Thank you to the Trump Admin for moving this forward for growers facing rising costs and storm losses,” Franklin shared in a post on X.
