USDA Funding to Strengthen the Specialty Crops Sector

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products.  The programs will also help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events.

The new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Initiative will provide $2 billion to assist specialty crop growers in maintaining a strong domestic supply and expanding market opportunities for their crops.

USDA is also creating the Commodity Storage Assistance Program that will provide $140 million to help producers gain access to a packinghouse, grain elevator, or other facilities necessary for marketing their commodities.  This program is designed for farmers nationwide due to disaster-related challenges, and USDA anticipates a high signup rate in the Southeast due to hurricane devastation.

“From providing high-quality, nutritious, American-grown fruits, vegetables, and nuts to our nation and the world, to serving as economic pillars of their communities, specialty crop producers play a critical role in the success of U.S. agriculture,” Vilsack said. “The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops and Commodity Storage Assistance programs will be important for producers in every corner of the United States, but they come at an especially critical time for southeastern farmers, who will face a difficult and long recovery after this season’s devastating hurricanes.”

A host of national ag organization, including the National Potato Council applauded this week’s announcement.

“The U.S. specialty crop sector, including potatoes, has faced a series of unforeseen challenges over the last four years,” said NPC President and Colorado potato grower Bob Mattive. “[This week's] USDA announcement recognizes these ongoing pressures and offers the opportunity for economic relief to impacted family farms. In making these farms eligible, USDA’s action also acknowledges the importance of the potato industry to the U.S. economy, including the more than 700,000 domestic workers supported throughout the potato supply chain.  The relief offered today also highlights the need for the certainty offered by a fully reauthorized five-year Farm Bill, providing long term investments in research, trade, pest and disease exclusion, crop insurance and other vital programs.”

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