Application period closes January 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially launched the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program, a $2 billion initiative designed to provide targeted support for specialty crop growers. Applications are now open as of December 10, 2024, and will close on January 8, 2025.
This funding will help address the unique challenges faced by specialty crop growers, from managing high production and labor costs to navigating the complexities of expanding into new markets.
What You Need to Know
The MASC Program is managed by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency and aims to strengthen the specialty crop industry by providing marketing assistance payments. This funding can be used to support activities that grow domestic markets or develop new opportunities for specialty crops.
Here are the key details of the program:
- Total Funding Available: $2 billion
- Payment Limitations: Payments are capped at $125,000 per eligible producer.
- Coverage: MASC helps specialty crop producers offset higher marketing costs related to:
- Tenderness and perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursey crops and herbs;
- Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
- Packaging to prevent damage;
- Moving perishables to market quickly; and
- Higher labor costs.
- Deadline: January 8, 2025
If you’re a specialty crop grower, this funding represents a timely opportunity to boost your operational capacity and market reach. For more details on eligibility and application guidelines, visit the USDA’s MASC program webpage.
