New $2 Billion Program Aims to Ease Costs and Boost Markets for Specialty Crop Growers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new $2 billion initiative to support specialty crop farmers across the United States.
The program, known as Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC), will provide financial support to growers to help them manage rising costs and expand their markets. Applications for the program will be accepted from December 10, 2024, through January 8, 2025, offering a critical window of opportunity for eligible farmers.
This initiative, administered by the Farm Service Agency, seeks to address the unique challenges that producers of fruits, vegetables, herbs, nursery crops, and floriculture face. Specialty crops often require specialized handling, precise temperature and humidity controls, swift transportation, and significant labor investment, which increases operational costs.
The MASC program aims to help growers enhance their ability to participate in domestic markets or develop new markets for their products through marketing assistance payments. As noted by the USDA, these payments will support producers in ensuring their crops remain competitive and accessible to consumers.
Payments distributed under the MASC program are subject to a cap of $125,000 per recipient. This funding limitation ensures that a broad range of farmers can benefit from the program’s resources.
According to a USDA press release, the $2 billion allocation underscores a strategic commitment to fortifying a segment of agriculture that is vital to the nation’s food supply chain and overall economy.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) strongly supports the USDA’s initiative. “The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) commends the USDA for recognizing the essential role of specialty crop producers with this Commodity Credit Corporation funding,” stated IFPA CEO Cathy Burns.
“This critical investment underscores a commitment to strengthening a sector vital to the nation’s food supply and economy and directly addresses the unique challenges faced by American growers. IFPA looks forward to collaborating with USDA to ensure the program is implemented effectively, delivering meaningful support to growers and enhancing the availability of fresh, nutritious produce for consumers nationwide.”
Cathy Burns, IFPA CEO
This new funding comes at a time when many specialty crop producers are grappling with escalating production costs and logistical challenges. The MASC program’s focus on market expansion and cost management reflects a broader effort to maintain the viability and growth of the specialty crop sector, which plays a crucial role in providing diverse, nutritious food options across the country.
In November, both the IFPA and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance applauded the USDA’s announcement and encouraged further legislative support to provide additional relief for specialty crop farmers. These organizations have been advocating for policies that recognize the distinct needs of growers who produce crops requiring intensive labor and careful handling.
Farmers interested in applying for MASC assistance can do so during the application window, which runs from December 10, 2024, to January 8, 2025. Eligible producers are encouraged to prepare their applications early to ensure they meet the deadline and take advantage of the program’s benefits. More information on eligibility criteria and the application process will be available through the USDA and Farm Service Agency’s official channels.
