Specialty crop producers should be mindful that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program.
Sign-up started on Dec. 10. Applications are due to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency through Jan. 8, 2025.
MASC provides financial assistance to specialty crop growers to help them expand domestic markets or develop new markets for their crops.
The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops helps producers offset higher marketing costs related to:
- Perishability of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, floriculture and nursery crops;
- Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
- Packaging to prevent damage;
- Moving perishables to market quickly; and
- Higher labor costs.
To be eligible for the program, a producer must be in business at the time of application, maintain an ownership share and share in the risk of producing a specialty crop that will be sold during calendar year 2025.
MASC will cover the following commercially marketed specialty crops: Fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, Christmas trees, floriculture, honey, hops and turfgrass.
For more information or to apply, producers can contact their local FSA county office or visit MASC program webpage.
The MASC was announced in November alongside the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for facilities impacted by 2024 natural disasters.