New USDA Funding Puts Specialty Crop Growers Front and Center
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Less than 2% of U.S. farm subsidies currently support specialty crop growers—farmers who produce the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs that USDA dietary guidelines recommend should make up half of our plates. While subsidies for commodity growers are essential to stabilizing our food system, this imbalance overlooks the critical role of small, diversified specialty crop farms in building a healthy diet and resilient, diverse food economy.
That’s why the USDA is stepping up with a new program called Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC). This initiative provides financial support to farmers producing specialty crops in 2025, helping them expand domestic markets or develop new ones. For many local and diversified farmers, this could be the game-changing boost needed to get fresh, nutritious food onto more tables.
Who’s eligible? MASC covers farmers growing fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, honey, nursery crops, and more. The program is open to U.S.-based growers meeting income and crop production requirements.
To make it easier for farmers to understand and apply for MASC, Go Farm Connect is hosting a free Zoominar on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 6-8 PM. Erik Heimark, GFC’s farm business management specialist, will walk participants through the program and application process alongside USDA representatives ready to answer questions. Go Farm Connectors will also provide personalized support in the weeks ahead to help farmers complete paperwork and ensure eligibility.
Applications close January 8, 2025—don’t wait!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your farm business.
👉 Click here to register for the Zoominar on Dec. 19
Get details about MASC on the USDA website.
This is an important, but quick, funding opportunity to help farm businesses market their specialty crops! With this investment, the USDA is showing that they also value the nations specialty crop farmers and recognize the important role these crops play in a healthier diet and a more diverse food economy. Spread the News!!