Applications Now Open for USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the payment rates for the one-time bridge payments available through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program. The program will deliver approximately $1.6 billion in direct assistance to specialty crop producers affected by rising production costs, market disruptions, trade-related challenges, and growing competition from imports.
Winegrape Payment Rate
USDA has established the following payment rate for grapes: Processed Grapes (Winegrapes): $225 per acre. Both bearing and non-bearing acreage are eligible. USDA specifically recognized that non-bearing acreage continues to incur substantial costs despite generating little or no revenue.
How to Apply
Pre-filled ASCF applications will be available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage report by April 24, 2026, for eligible specialty crops. Only one application is required for all ASCF-eligible specialty crops nationwide. Producers who have a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online starting June 1, 2026.
Application timeline:
June 1, 2026: Online applications open
June 8, 2026: Applications available through local FSA offices
August 7, 2026: Application deadline
Click Here to Learn More or Apply
Webinar: Long-Term Care and Mitigating Estate Transfer Impacts
Date: Tuesday, June 9th
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, June 9th:
Long-Term Care and Mitigating Estate Transfer Impacts
This is an opportunity to learn about Long-Term Care in your community, and estimated expenses for the future. Also, how to both develop and strengthen your current Estate Transfer plans and meet your local program consultant who can assist with your plan journey.
Click Here to Register
California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Webinar
Wednesday, June 17th:
MRL Changes in the Global Marketplace: Why They Matter & How to Track Them
Join this webinar to learn about the research results from three projects on dry farming winegrapes in California, including:
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A study led by Napa Resource Conservation District that investigated how soil properties and management practices affect water storage and overall soil function in dry-farmed vineyards across Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties. Using field soil pits and laboratory analysis, the study helped to better understand how soils support vine health and resilience in dry farmed vineyards.
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Researchers from UC Berkeley examined the long-term impacts of dry farming compared to irrigated vineyards and explored soil organic carbon storage while also looking at vine water status, evapotranspiration and grower decision-making through field measurements and interviews.
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ERA Economics developed regional cost-of-production budgets and conducted economic analyses to assess the financial implications and benefits of dry farming, helping growers better understand both the environmental and economic tradeoffs of this practice.
Click Here to Learn More or Register
IPM Meetings
Russian River Valley Meeting
Wednesday, June 17th
9:00am – 10:30am
Sonoma County Winegrowers Office
3245 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA
Alexander Valley Meeting
Thursday, June 18th
10:00am – 11:30am
Hoot Owl Creek Vineyards
8400 California 128, Healdsburg, CA
Discussion Topics include:
Focus on Bloom Issues – powdery mildew index, grape leafhopper nymph and mite observations and actions, weed ID
Review of nitrogen and water use to grow vines with pest and disease resistance
*If you’d like to be included in future communication specific to IPM resources, please send your email address to Emersyn Klick at emersyn@sonomawinegrape.org
Sonoma County Winegrowers
Grower BBQ
Thursday, July 16, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Oak Grove
8621 Oak Grove Avenue
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Join us for an afternoon of food, wine, and community at our annual Grower BBQ. An opportunity to catch up, share stories, and celebrate the relationships that help our industry grow – families and children are welcome!
Click Here to RSVP
USDA Funding Opportunities to Support Pollinator Habitat
The Resource Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Farmer-to-Farmer Collaboration is looking for enthusiastic producers interested in receiving financial and technical support for implementing on-farm practices that support pollinators. They are offering contracts to distribute over $1,000,000 to California producers to implement pollinator habitat.
Practices include: Cover Crops, Conservation Cover, Wildlife Habitat and Range Planting, Hedgerow Planting, Prescribed Grazing, Micro-Irrigation, Integrated Pest Management, Tree-Shrub and Brush Establishment and Management.
Applications are Open Now!
Click Here to Learn More or Apply
Sonoma Resource Conservation District Mixer
Sonoma Resource Conservation District is setting the table for landowners, vineyard owners/managers, and local specialty crop producers to meet, chat, and explore land leasing opportunities. With KTA and UCCE Marin’s timely release of their new publication, Evaluating Your Land for Leasing to a Specialty Crop Farmer, there will be resources and experts readily available to support both landowners and lessees in exploring what is needed for a successful partnership. This event is open to anyone interested in offering land for lease or leasing land. You do not need to be a vineyard or specialty crop producer to attend.
The afternoon will include:
-Presentation by David Vigil, KTA’s Regional Program Coordinator
-Panel with existing, successful leasers and lessee partners
-FREE dinner, drinks, and time for networking
Click Here to Learn More or Apply
UCCE North Coast Viticulture Resources
The UC Cooperative Extension has many upcoming events and resources beneficial to North Coast growers. Click the link below to learn more about upcoming events!
