New opportunity for assistance with USDA’s Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program.

The U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting applications for the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program. This initiative will provide critical support to specialty crop producers and farmers helping them better manage higher costs and navigate new market opportunities for their crops. At this time, assistance of up to $2 Billion will be allocated for these producers. 

The application window is now, December 10th through January 8th 2025, if you would like to apply for this assistance you may do so by submitting the following form(s) to any FSA county office by Jan. 8, 2025.

• Complete the FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program Application

MASC applicants, must submit the following information to FSA if not already on file at the time of application:  

• Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.  
• Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.  
• Form CCC-941, Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information.    
• Form FSA-942, Certification of Income from Farming, Ranching and Forestry Operations, if applicable, for the producer and members of entities.   
• A highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation certification (Form AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification) for the ERP producer and applicable affiliates.  
• Other Documentation if requested by FSA to support reported specialty crop sales.     

If previously participated in FSA programs your forms may still be on file. However, those who are uncertain or want to confirm the status of their forms or producers who may be new to conducting business with FSA, can contact their local FSA county office. 

Specialty crops included in MASC eligibility:

• Fruits (fresh, dried)
• Vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms, and vegetable seed)
• Tree nuts 
• Nursery crops, Christmas trees, and floriculture
• Culinary and medicinal herbs and spices
• Honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed

Additionally MASC will provide finance assistance to specialty crop growers that face higher marketing costs related to

• Perishability of specialty crops
• Specialized handling, transportation and temperature and humidity control
• Packaging to prevent damage
• Moving the perishable goods to market quickly 
• The high labor costs. 

Payments 

MASC will use up to $2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to provide assistance to producers of specialty crops, subject to a payment limitation of $125,000. If the demand for MASC payments exceeds the funding available, the payments may be prorated and lowered until the FSA is able to provide additional payment. 

MASC payments are based on a producer’s average adjusted gross farm income of specialty crops from previous years. If there are new specialty crop producers, they are required to submit 2025 expected sales documents and may need to provide other information to USDA for eligibility. 

Payment calculation details and examples are available on the MASC webpage or related questions can be directed to your local FSA county office staff.  Specialty crop producers who are interested in applying for MASC benefits, are encouraged to review the program fact sheet. For detailed information on program eligibility, required documentation, payment calculations and more, visit the FSA website at fsa.usda.gov. 

FSA staff at your local USDA Service Center will work with you to file your applications. Applications may be submitted by mail, fax, hand delivery, or via electronic means. 

With MASC, hopefully farmers will access the resources needed to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness in the marketplace. 

The National Pecan Federation advocated on behalf of pecan producers so there would be access to this program.