Apr17
MASC PROGRAM UPDATE & GROWER OUTREACH ON REPAYMENT LETTERS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently implemented the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program, a significant federal investment aimed at supporting specialty crop producers, including Washington’s potato growers.
Authorized at approximately $2.65 billion, MASC was designed to help producers offset rising marketing costs, expand domestic markets, and remain competitive amid inflation, labor challenges, and global competition. Payments were calculated based on reported specialty crop sales, with applications submitted through local FSA county offices by early January 2025.
In recent weeks, the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) has been contacted by multiple growers who report receiving MASC repayment letters from USDA.
At this stage, it is not yet clear whether these letters are:
- The result of standard reconciliation or payment adjustments
- Administrative or data discrepancies
- Potential inconsistencies at the county office level
Given the complexity of the MASC program, particularly how payments were calculated using reported sales data and adjusted through national payment factors, there is a strong possibility that processing or staffing constraints within local FSA offices may be contributing to these issues.
WSPC is actively engaging with:
- The FSA Washington State Office
- Our federal partners
to better understand the scope of this issue and ensure growers receive clear, accurate guidance.
We are asking any growers who have received a MASC repayment letter to contact WSPC directly.
This information will help us:
- Identify patterns or common issues
- Elevate concerns with USDA leadership
- Advocate for timely resolution and clarity for growers
If you’ve received a repayment letter or have questions about your MASC participation, please reach out to Geordy Bryant Greene, WSPC Director of Governmental and Trade Affairs at
