By Chris Bardenhagen
Have you had revenue from specialty crops in recent years? If so, you are very likely eligible for a new, one-time-only funding opportunity from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) called the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC). New producers may be eligible to use projected 2025 sales for their revenues.
The MASC program is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), to provide funds for producers to use for marketing activities considering the high labor, handling and other costs associated with bringing products to market over the last few years. It appears that production as well as marketing and delivery may be considered marketing activities. According to the recent USDA briefing, there are no required outcomes or expenditures to be made (or proven) by recipients of payments, but the intention of the funds is to increase domestic consumption of U.S.-grown specialty crops in 2025 and beyond. Recipients will not be required to report increases in sales or related metrics.
The program makes payments based on revenues from eligible crops and products, including:
- Fruits (including dried fruits)
- Vegetables (including mushrooms and vegetable seed)
- Dry beans
- Tree nuts
- Nursery crops, Christmas trees and floriculture
- Culinary and medicinal herbs and spices
- Honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed
For most producers, revenue will be calculated from payments for crop sales received during either 2023 or 2024, with the producer choosing the year (usually the year with greater sales). In addition to crop sales during the chosen year, crop insurance indemnities from the chosen year (regardless of when received) are also eligible revenue.
Payouts will be calculated by FSA based on the total number of applicants, revenue levels of those applicants, and other factors. Payments are generally limited to $125,000, but that limit could go down based on availability of funds. However, if funds are left over, applicants may get a second payment.
To apply, producers must fill out several forms with FSA by January 8, 2025, including:
- FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program Application
- AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet
- CCC-902, Form Operating Plan
- CCC-941, AGI Certification
- CCC-942, Certification of Income from Farming, Ranching and Forestry Operations
- AS-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation
New producers will also need to file form FSA-1141 and should see their FSA office for required documentation and other details.
To apply, contact your local FSA office as soon as possible. Your local office may provide assistance and/or specific advice with filling out the forms. For more information and details, including specific eligibility requirements, see FSA’s handy factsheet. For more detailed information, see FSA’s webpage on MASC.
Source : msu.edu