Specialty Crop Producers: Deadline Approaching for Marketing Assistance Program

As the deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program approaches, specialty crop producers are encouraged to apply for this $2 billion initiative. Danny Munch, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, explains the significance of this program for those who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

The MASC program aims to provide financial support to specialty crop producers, helping them manage marketing costs and expand into new markets. Although the program's goals include managing marketing costs and expanding into new markets, the aid is more like general assistance, as there are no requirements to show the aid was spent on marketing. This support is intended to help specialty crop producers in general.

Specialty crop growers face unique challenges compared to other farmers and ranchers. Munch highlights the perishability and labor-intensive nature of specialty crops, which often require specialized equipment and manual labor, driving up costs. For instance, the average specialty crop farm spends $142,000 on labor annually, which is 533% higher than the labor expenditures for any other operation across other commodities. Additionally, there are fewer risk management options for specialty crop producers.

Time is running out for specialty crop producers to submit their applications for the MASC program. The USDA has extended the deadline from January 8 to January 10, giving producers a few more days to apply. Farmers can visit their local FSA office or give them a call to learn more about the program and its requirements. The USDA's MASC web page also provides detailed information and guidance on the application process.

In a positive development, the USDA has raised the payment limit for the MASC program from $125,000 to $900,000, which is a good sign for some operations. The Market Intel page on the Farm Bureau's website describes how some of the payment calculations will work, providing valuable insights for producers considering applying for the program.

In conclusion, specialty crop producers should take advantage of the extended deadline and increased payment limit for the MASC program. By applying for this initiative, producers can secure much-needed financial support to help manage marketing costs and expand into new markets. Don't miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your operation and invest in the future of your business.