Funding increased, caps raised, application deadline extended for speciality crops program

A program designed to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops has gotten an infusion of funds, a higher payment cap and an extended application deadline.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is adding an additional $650 million to the Marketing for Specialty Crops (MASC) program and raising the payment limit per eligible producer from $125,000 to $900,000. The deadline to apply has been extended from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10.

With a total of $2.65 billion available, MASC helps specialty crop producers expand markets and manage high costs associated with specialty crops, such as perishability, handling and transport costs, packaging and labor.

“Specialty crop producers should act quickly to make an appointment to apply for both marketing and food safety certification assistance,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said in a news release. “Specialty crop producers have been impacted by higher marketing and handling costs due to the perishability of fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs as well as increased costs to meet regulatory requirements. These programs will help producers overcome the financial challenges they’re facing when it comes to maintaining and expanding markets.”

Eligible producers must submit applications and other forms for the program at local FSA offices. You can search for your local USDA Service Center and agency office online.

USDA also created the Commodity Storage Assistance Program, which will provide $140 million to help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events.

“From providing high-quality, nutritious, American-grown fruits, vegetables and nuts to our nation and the world, to serving as economic pillars of their communities, specialty crop producers play a critical role in the success of U.S. agriculture,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a Nov. 19 release announcing the MASC program. “The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops and Commodity Storage Assistance programs will be important for producers in every corner of the United States, but they come at an especially critical time for Southeastern farmers, who will face a difficult and long recovery after this season’s devastating hurricanes.”

FSA also reminds specialty crop producers of the Jan. 31 deadline to apply for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for 2024 expenses.