U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs. Of that total, $35 million will purchase U.S. apples.
“USApple greatly appreciates this USDA action, especially when market conditions are so adverse toward growers,” said Jim Blair, USApple president and CEO. “USDA is always willing for USApple to help them better understand those conditions. This is a win-win for growers and hungry Americans and helps USDA be efficient with taxpayer dollars.”
USApple plays an active role in helping ensure these purchases deliver maximum impact. The association conducts market update webinars for USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) staff and surveys major apple-producing states to report the varieties and sizes most available.
The fresh apple purchase will be made through Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935. Section 32 allows USDA to purchase surplus commodities and distribute them through nutrition programs, better aligning supply with demand while strengthening agricultural markets.
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