Specialty Crops Secure USD 650 Million in Additional Funding for USDA Initiative

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s updates to the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) initiative, which includes an additional USD 650 million investment.

Speciality crop growers across the U.S. are facing significant and unique challenges. The USDA’s MASC program represents an important step in aiding growers in their recovery from economic hardships. With the latest updates, including additional funding, increased payment limitations, and an extended application window, the USDA has recognized the critical need for enhanced support.

These measures are expected to stabilize farms, strengthen the industry, and ensure the continued availability of domestically grown speciality crops, such as nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, which are essential components of a balanced diet.

Updates to the MASC program include: 
 

• An additional USD 650 million in funding has been added, bringing the total funds available for speciality crop growers to USD 2.65 billion.
• The payment limitation has been increased from USD 125,000 to USD 900,000, acknowledging the higher value of speciality crops when compared to other agricultural commodities.
• The deadline for applications has been extended by two days. Applications will now be accepted through Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.

The USDA announcement follows the SCFBA’s request in December for an additional investment in the MASC program and a modified structure for payment limitations after speciality crop production – which represents nearly half the farm gate value of American agriculture – was left out of the final year-end economic assistance package negotiated by Congressional leaders.

SCFBA is a national coalition of more than 200 speciality crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products. In early 2023, the alliance released a set of key policy priorities as part of its Farm Bill recommendations. 

Specialty crop production, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery and greenhouse commodities, contributes significantly to the U.S economy, accounting for $64.7 billion in farm gate value and 30 percent of farm cash receipts for crops.

The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.