Apr 30, 2025USDA to deliver second round of MASC payments to specialty crop growers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a second round of payments is coming for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program.
The program provides up to $1.3 billion in additional program assistance. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already delivered under $900 million in first round payments to eligible producers, according to a news release.
“After a thorough review of USDA funding for certain programs to ensure they align with the president’s policies and uphold our commitment to responsible distribution of American taxpayer dollars, USDA resumed MASC payments,” Rollins said in a statement. “I am happy to announce this second round of support for specialty crop producers today and we are thankful for the work they do to produce the safest, most abundant food supply for our families and the world.”
First announced in December 2024, MASC authorized $2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funds to assist specialty crop growers with rising input costs and aid in the expansion of domestic markets. In January, in response to stakeholder feedback and program demand, funding for MASC was increased to $2.65 billion. The MASC application period closed on Jan. 10.
MASC is designed to help specialty crop producers meet higher marketing costs related to:
- Perishability of specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs;
- Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
- Packaging to prevent damage;
- Moving perishables to market quickly;
- Higher labor costs.
MASC covers the following commercially marketed specialty crops:
- Fruits (fresh, dried);
- Vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms and vegetable seeds);
- Tree nuts;
- Other specialty crops.
