The Administration has announced up to $12 billion in one-time agricultural assistance intended to help U.S. farmers address ongoing trade disruptions and rising production costs. While most of these funds are expected to be directed toward traditional row-crop commodities, USDA has indicated that a portion of the funding may be made available for commodities not covered under that framework, including specialty crops such as citrus.
To date, USDA has not released specific details regarding any potential specialty-crop assistance. Program design, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and timelines have not yet been announced, and no deadlines related to specialty-crop participation have been established.
Separately, there is strong recognition within Congress that additional resources are needed to support specialty crop producers beyond what USDA currently has available through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Discussions continue regarding the potential for additional congressional support to supplement USDA authorities and funding capacity.
California Citrus Mutual is actively engaged with federal partners and working closely with the broader specialty crop community to ensure citrus remains well positioned as these discussions progress. CCM will continue to advocate for the maximum level of assistance achievable, including pursuing opportunities that may arise through congressional action, and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
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