Please review each grant’s Request for Proposals (RFP) before applying to understand all program details and what is required of the applicant. Contact Andrew Holden, Business Management Educator, with any questions at azh6192@psu.edu or by calling 716-640-2656. If you know of a grant that wasn’t listed and would benefit the industry, please contact Andrew.

Grant info was compiled in February of 2026 and is subject to change.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program & new grant handout released

In a press release shared on February 13, 2026, the USDA announced “assistance for specialty crop farmers impacted by unfair market disruptions”. This program will provide $1 billion for commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. This includes grapes and should be available to growers in our region. Payment rates for specialty crops will be announced at the end of March. Growers must make sure FSA has their 2025 acreage reports by March 13th. Most growers likely have this completed already due to previous FSA programs in the past year. If you are not sure, contact your local Farm Service Agency to confirm you are up to date on reporting.

New Grant Handout: This program, along with other currently available and future 2026 grants, is included in my newly updated Grants Handout. Please see the handout attached below or view it on our website: Grants and Programs Available for the Lake Erie Region Grape & Wine Industry.

Additional Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program info: USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing $1 billion through a one-time bridge payment for specialty crops, sugar, and commodities not covered through the previously announced Farm Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. These bridge payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres.

Important Dates:

March 13, 2026 (by 5 p.m. ET) – deadline to ensure 2025 crop acreage reports are factual and accurate for eligible ASCF crops.
End of March - commodity-specific payment rates will be released.

Business Management Contact:

Andrew Holden, Business Management Educator

Mobile (call or text): (716) 640-2656

Office: (716) 792-2800

Email: AZH6192@psu.edu