USDA buys $60 million worth of apples and cranberries from US producers
The United States Department of Agriculture is spending $230 million on American seafood, fruits, and vegetables, of which $60 million will be allocated to acquiring dried cranberries and fresh apples.
The purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, a permanent appropriation that sets aside 30% of annual customs receipts to fund nutrition programs that "support the farm sector through the purchase of surplus commodities and a variety of other activities."
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said the announcement “continues to prioritize American commodities for families and communities in need."
The U.S. Apple Association, USApple, applauded the agency for its timely allocation of $35 million to the fresh apple industry. "USApple greatly appreciates this USDA action, especially when market conditions are so adverse toward growers,” said Jim Bair, USApple President and CEO. “This is a win-win for growers and hungry Americans and helps USDA be efficient with taxpayer dollars.”
Apples and dried cranberries are two of the five commodities on the receiving end of this initiative. Others include Alaska pollock, farm-raised catfish, and dry, pinto, kidney, navy, great northern, and small red beans.
Related stories:
U.S. fresh apple holdings are 19% higher than the May five-year average
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