
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has just released an exciting opportunity for vegetable and fruit growers, the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. This program aims to expand markets for specialty crops by, offering payments to help cover the cost of getting into new markets or growing your share of the market in 2025. The deadline for application is January 8th so you’ll need to get started soon!
Who’s Eligible?
If you’re a farmer currently growing a specialty crop, you’re eligible for the MASC program as long as:
- You’re entitled to an ownership share and share in the risk of producing the crops that will be sold in 2025.
- Your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your tax returns for 2021, 2022, and 2023 is under $900,000. Note: AGI is your farm’s “profit” rather than “revenue.”
(Need help with your taxes? Good Agriculture can help you get your books together for previous years.)
Other requirements:
- You’re U.S. citizen or have a recognized farm business structure (e.g., LLC, partnership, or corporation).
- You comply with the “Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation” regulations.
- Don’t have a controlled substance violation.
- You complete specific FSA forms as part of the application.
Now, let’s talk about the crops that qualify. Specialty crops include a wide range of products, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and even things like honey and hops. If you’re into growing grass seed or turfgrass, that’s covered too. But if you’re working with field crops like corn, soybeans, or peanuts, those aren’t eligible. Here’s a list of all the specialty crops that are eligible, so make sure what you’re growing is included.
How Do Payments Work?
Here’s how the payments work. Your total sales are split into tiers—the first tier covers up to $49,999, then it goes up from there. They’ll figure out a percentage payment factor for each tier, and that’s how your payment gets calculated. For example, if you reported $200,000 in sales:
- Tier 1: Sales up to $49,999 are multiplied by factor “a.”
- Tier 2: Sales from $50,000 to $100,000 are multiplied by factor “b.”
- Tier 3: Sales over $100,000 are multiplied by factor “c.” The totals are then combined.
The payments depend on how much funding is available, so things might get prorated if demand is high.
What if You’re New to Specialty Crops?
If you’re new to growing specialty crops, don’t worry—they’ve got you covered too. Let’s say you started growing in the last year or two but haven’t sold anything yet because your crops aren’t mature, or you’re just getting going. You can still qualify based on what you expect to sell in 2025. You’ll need to provide some proof, like contracts or agreements, to show you’re serious about harvesting and marketing your crops.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward though it does involve a bit of paperwork:
- FSA-1140: Main application form.
- FSA-1141: Expected sales form.
- CCC-902: Farm operating plan.
- CCC-941: Income certification.
You can go to your local FSA office and they will help you out with these. Again, everything’s due by January 8, 2025, so it’s not something to put off.
Why It Matters
This program could really make a difference, especially if you’re looking to grow your operation or try out new markets. The payments can help take some of the financial stress off your plate, and that’s always a good thing. Plus, having a bit of extra backing can give you the confidence to take a leap and try something new.
Next Steps:
My advice? Take a good look at the program and see if it’s a fit for your farm. Also,
- Check the list of eligible crops.
- Gather your sales records or prepare your projections if you’re a new grower.
- Visit your local FSA office to start your application. They’re there to help, and they’ll walk you through the application process.
You’ve got until January, so there’s time, but don’t wait too long to get started.
If you’re curious or want more info, head over to the FSA website or stop by your USDA Service Center. If you’ve got any questions shoot us an email, we’re more than happy to help!
Programs like this don’t come around every day, and it might just be the boost your operation needs! We’re here to help!