USADA's $2B aid for specialty crops

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched the $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, providing financial support to specialty crop producers. The program, which runs from December 10, 2024, to January 8, 2025, is designed to help these growers manage marketing challenges and high costs associated with perishable crops. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, MASC was introduced alongside the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for disaster-impacted facilities.

“Specialty crop growers have typically faced higher marketing and handling costs relative to non-specialty crop producers due to the perishability of fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Through this marketing assistance program, we can expand U.S. specialty crop consumption and markets by providing specialty crop producers the financial support needed to help them engage in activities that broaden and enhance strategies and opportunities for marketing their commodities.”

The program covers a range of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, herbs, honey, hops, maple sap, and more. Producers can receive financial assistance for costs related to crop perishability, specialized equipment, packaging, rapid transport, and increased labor costs.

To be eligible for MASC, producers must be in business at the time of application and share in the risk of growing specialty crops intended for sale in 2025. Established producers can apply by completing the FSA-1140 form and certifying sales for 2023 or 2024. New producers, who began growing specialty crops in 2023 or 2024, must submit their expected sales for 2025 and provide supporting documentation.

For MASC payments, established growers will receive assistance based on their total sales in 2023 or 2024, while new producers will be assessed based on expected 2025 sales. Payments may be prorated if demand exceeds available funding.

Producers interested in applying must submit necessary forms, such as the FSA-1140, FSA-942, and others to their local FSA office. For more details, applicants can refer to the program's webpage.

For further information on the MASC program, visit the USDA website or contact your local FSA office.

Photo Credit: usda