Episode Details

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/

The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program provides financial assistance to specialty crop producers to help them expand domestic markets or develop new markets for their crops.

MASC helps specialty crop producers offset higher marketing costs related to:

• Tenderness and perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs;
• Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
• Packaging to prevent damage;
• Moving perishables to market quickly; and
• Higher labor costs.

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the USDA's Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, which aims to provide financial support to specialty crop producers facing unique challenges. The episode covers the eligibility criteria, application process, and potential payouts, emphasizing the importance of accurate bookkeeping and registration with the FSA. Liz shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the program, as well as tips for managing finances effectively in the flower farming business.

Takeaways

• The MASC program is designed to assist specialty crop producers.
• Producers can report sales based on raw goods without value added.
• Eligibility for the program requires registration with the FSA.
• The program has a total funding of $2 billion available.
• Payouts will depend on the number of applicants and reported sales.
• Accurate bookkeeping is essential for applying to the program.
• The application process is straightforward and can be completed online.
• Producers should keep detailed records to prepare for potential audits.
• The payout structure is tiered based on reported sales amounts.
• Resources and courses are available for producers needing help with bookkeeping.

Helpful Links:

Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkout

Peddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP

Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4

Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852