Specialty Crop Assistance Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. The second round of assistance for specialty crop growers is now being received by farmers around the country just days after the July 1 activation.
Kam Quarles, CEO at the National Potato Council, says these funds will have a major impact for specialty crop growers …
QUARLES … “Overall, this most recent round of these MASC payments, which is the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program. This most recent round is $1.3 Billion of a total of $2.65 Billion overall.”
And these second-round payments, Quarles says are already being received …
QUARLES … “They are, not just announced but we’ve received reports from across the country that growers are getting those payments, they’re seeing them in their bank accounts. So, that’s a great thing.”
And much needed, Quarles says after a challenging few years …
QUARLES … “It’s amazing how, this is still the supply chain trying to correct itself after slamming shut five years ago. Now you’ve had overcorrections and then overcorrections on top of those initial moves. And it’s really wreaked havoc with these family farms across the U.S.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on this second round of MASC payments and why it means so much for specialty crop producers.
Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC):
• USDA is providing payments through MASC to eligible specialty crop producers, with up to $1.3 billion in additional assistance.
• The program helps specialty crop growers address rising input costs and expand in domestic markets.
• The payment limit for MASC has been increased to $900,000 per operation.
• The application period for MASC closed on January 10, 2025.
