Jan 15, 2010
USDA Makes Large Apple Purchase

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) praised the intended federal purchases of apples and apple products announced by USDA today.

The $18.6 million apple products buy was first announced by the Obama administration in November 2009, but amounts tentatively allotted for each category were revealed this week.

“This is good news for both consumers and apple growers,” said Mark Seetin, USApple Director of Regulatory and Industry Affairs. “The American apple industry vigorously supports USDA’s plans to purchase a wide variety of apples and apple products. This significant buy means plenty of tasty and nutritious apples and apple products for consumers in federal feeding programs, such as the National School Lunch Program.”

The amount of apples and apple products identified so far, and the estimated value of each, includes: Fresh apples (68,000 cases, $1.06 million), Apple juice (312,625 cases, $3.08 million) Apple juice (205,000 cases, $2.02 million), Canned apple slices (77,520 cases, $1.7 million), Applesauce (142,272 cases, $2.4 million).

USApple and apple industry leaders worked extensively over the past year to encourage USDA to make apple purchases. The specific apples and apple products selected for purchase were requested by individual school districts from across the country.

For more information, visit USDA’s Web site.


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