WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds specialty crop producers to apply for assistance for marketing and food safety certification expenses.

Specifically, USDA’s Farm Service Agency is providing an additional $650 million in funding for the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program and extending the MASC application deadline to Friday, Jan. 10.

Meanwhile, the agency also reminds specialty crop producers of the Jan. 31 deadline to apply for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program for 2024 expenses. With $2.65 billion available, MASC helps specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs. The agency is also increasing the MASC payment limit from $125,000 to $900,000. FSCSC covers a percentage of a specialty crop operation’s cost to obtain or renew its on-farm food safety certification, as well as a portion of related expenses.

“Specialty crop producers should act quickly to make an appointment to apply for both marketing and food safety certification assistance,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, according to a news release from the USDA. “Specialty crop producers have been impacted by higher marketing and handling costs due to the perishability of fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs as well as increased costs to meet regulatory requirements. These programs will help producers overcome the financial challenges they’re facing when it comes to maintaining and expanding markets.”

FSCSC payments are calculated separately for each eligible cost category. Details about payment rates and limitations are available at farmers.gov.

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