The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to purchase $10 million each of American-grown fresh oranges and grapefruit as part of up to $472.5 million in purchases of American agricultural commodities. The commodities will be distributed to the charitable food network and other nutrition assistance programs. This purchase announcement was made on Oct. 29.
“The USDA’s purchase of fresh citrus will put wholesome, nutritious food on the tables of families in need through food banks, schools and other food assistance programs,” Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) Chief Executive Officer Matt Joyner said. “In turn, the USDA is supporting hardworking multigenerational Florida citrus growers with the purchase of their fruit.”
FCM, founded in 1948 and representing more than 1,500 grower members, is the state’s largest citrus grower organization.
Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 gives the USDA authority to buy domestic agricultural products from American farmers and distribute them to food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide. These purchases through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reduce surplus inventory, strengthen market conditions and provide nutritious citrus to American families, according to FCM.
According to USDA, Section 32 helps stabilize agricultural markets, reaches producers in every region of the United States and supports rural jobs. See a full USDA press release about the purchase here.
The USDA also recently announced its intent to purchase $25 million in fresh mandarins. Learn more about that announcement here.
Sources: USDA and FCM
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