Last week, the USDA announced its intent to purchase up to $25 million in fresh citrus from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.
“These purchases will benefit citrus producers by removing surplus commodities from the market and at the same time help provide nutritious food for people in need,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “These purchases come at an important time when, in addition to many producers being in need of a market for their commodities, a significant part of the industry has been impacted by recent hurricanes.”
A pre-solicitation will be published by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Purchases are determined by industry requests, market analysis and food bank needs. Details on how vendors may participate are available on the Selling Food to USDA page on the AMS website. Industry requests for future purchases using Section 32 funds will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
USDA is looking to purchase fresh grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins.
