The Economic Relief for Specialty Crops Act provides $5 billion in federal funding to help farmers who grow specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The money, appropriated to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2027, will be distributed as direct payments to eligible specialty crop producers through an existing or similar assistance program. The bill defines specialty crops according to the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 and specifies that payments must follow the terms outlined in a January 2025 USDA notice. The funds will remain available for distribution until fully spent, with no expiration date limiting when payments can be made.