Sen. Ossoff Announces Applications for USDA Marketing Assistance Program Now Available for Specialty Crop Producers

Atlanta, Ga. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is announcing new Federal resources to help Georgia's specialty crop industry sell more products.

Today, Sen. Ossoff announced that Georgia farmers growing specialty crops, like fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, can now apply for Federal funding through the new U.S. Department of Agriculture Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, designed to provide critical support to farmers seeking to expand their operations and reach new markets.

The program, recently launched by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides marketing assistance payments to help farmers store, market, and distribute specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other non-commodity crops that are vital to Georgia's agricultural economy.

"Georgia farmers power our economy and feed families across the state and the nation," Sen. Ossoff said. "I'm fighting so our farmers can prosper, recover, and rebuild, especially after the harsh conditions they've endured this year. This new USDA program offers Federal resources to help farmers grow their businesses and compete in new markets."

Georgia is one of the nation's leading producers of specialty crops, from blueberries and pecans to peaches and sweet onions.

Eligible farmers can learn more about the program and submit their applications at their local FSA offices or online through the USDA's website at www.fsa.usda.gov.

Applications are now open until January 8, and farmers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of these resources.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia's specialty crop growers.

In August, Sen. Ossoff introduced the Protecting Our Produce Act to boost resources and support for Georgia specialty crop growers facing unfairly priced imports.

In April, Sen. Ossoff launched a new effort to bring Republicans and Democrats together to pass the bipartisan Specialty CROP Act of 2023, legislation he co-sponsored to support Georgia's farmers and level the playing field to boost exports.

Last year, Sens. Ossoff and Marco Rubio (R-FL) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers urging U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to follow through on a promise by the Biden Administration to help Southeastern seasonal producers affected by unfair trade practices.

In February 2023, following Sen. Ossoff's push, the Republic of India announced a major 70% cut to tariffs on U.S. pecan exports, a big win for Georgia farmers.

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