The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced its intent to purchase $25 million in fresh mandarins from American farmers to distribute to schools and food banks across the country.
The mandarin purchase was part of a planned purchase of $156 million in multiple agricultural commodities, including canned peaches, concord grape juice, pork products, prunes, raisins, walnuts and wild-caught shrimp.
These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. Section 32 is a permanent appropriation that since 1935 has set aside the equivalent of 30% of annual customs receipts to support the farm sector through the purchase of surplus commodities and a variety of other activities.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These foods are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) programs, including schools and food banks that operate The National School Lunch Program and The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) stated that the USDA purchases help reduce available inventory during periods of surplus, strengthen market conditions and support returns for U.S. growers. CCM has actively advocated for fresh citrus to remain a priority within USDA’s Section 32 purchasing program. As the nation’s leading producer of fresh citrus, California growers are expected to benefit significantly from the purchases.
“We appreciate USDA and AMS recognizing the importance of fresh citrus and expanding these purchases to include a significant commitment to mandarins,” said Jacob Villagomez, CCM director of governmental affairs.
In July, USDA announced its intent to purchase $12.5 million of grapefruit and $20 million of oranges. Learn more about that purchase announcement here.
Source: USDA AMS
Share this Post