WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the application window for a new $2 billion program designed to support specialty crop farmers. Applications open today, December 10, 2024, and close on January 8, 2025.

“The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) commends the USDA for recognizing the essential role of specialty crop producers with this Commodity Credit Corporation funding,” International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns said in a press release. “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.”

The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, administered by the Farm Service Agency, will provide eligible specialty crop producers “with marketing assistance payments that will help them engage in activities that aid in expanding domestic specialty crop markets or in developing new markets for their specialty crops,” USDA noted.

Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program:

• Total funding available: $2 billion
• Payments are subject to a payment limitation of $125,000
• Helps growers manage higher costs and expand markets for fruits, vegetables, herbs, floriculture, and nursery crops. For crops requiring specialized handling, temperature and humidity control, quick transport, and high labor costs
• Deadline: Jan. 8, 2025

In November, IFPA and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commended the USDA for announcing the availability of this specialty crop funding and encouraged Congress to enact additional supplemental relief for growers.

We will continue to report as we learn more about the program.