USDA announced a second round of Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) payments on April 30th and funds were released at the end of June.
USApple, in coordination with coalition partners and congressional offices, urged the Trump Administration to move forward with this program, highlighting the urgency of grower needs. Growers who received an initial MASC payment automatically get a second round.
MASC was created to help address rising costs and economic strain on specialty crop growers. USApple provided input to USDA and Congress to ensure the program is accessible and straightforward. Modeled after CFAP2, MASC reflects lessons learned and aims to deliver timely relief to apple growers.