The Agriculture Department will provide specialty crop producers with up to $1.3 billion through the Commodity Credit Corporation, continuing a Biden-era program aimed at helping the industry amid cost pressures.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday the agency would provide a second round of payments under the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program.
The program, launched in December, aims to "assist specialty crop growers with rising input costs and aid in the expansion of domestic markets," according to a USDA release. FSA delivered close to $900 million in payments to producers during the first round, the release said.
Cut through the clutter! We deliver the news you need to stay informed about farm, food and rural issues. Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse here.
Funding is used to help producers address costs related to the perishability, transport, packaging and labor for specialty crops. The program covers fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, among other types of crops, the release says.
"After a thorough review of USDA funding for certain programs to ensure they align with the president’s policies and uphold our commitment to responsible distribution of American taxpayer dollars, USDA resumed MASC payments," Rollins said in the release. "I am happy to announce this second round of support for specialty crop producers today and we are thankful for the work they do to produce the safest, most abundant food supply for our families and the world,”
For more news, go to www.agri-pulse.com.
