(NAFB.com) – 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, including the recent hurricanes. 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. “These programs will be important for producers in every corner of the U.S.,” says Vilsack.