USDA announces $80 million section 32 purchases of U.S. fruit and nuts
USDA plans to buy almonds, grape juice, pistachios and raisins for food programs. Learn how Section 32 purchases will impact specialty crops.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops, according to a press release issued by the agency.
The purchases will be made via USDA’s Section 32 authority under the Agriculture Act of 1935. Industry experts are hopeful the planned buys will lend market support to U.S. fruit and tree nut growers, who are awaiting final details on how USDA will distribute $1 billion in direct-to-grower assistance earmarked for specialty crop growers.
The purchases will be made by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and distributed through Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Section 32 purchases are used to support American farmers by supplying U.S.-grown foods to nutrition assistance programs, the release states.
According to USDA, the planned purchases include:
- Almonds: $20 million
- Grape juice: $20 million
- Pistachios: $20 million
- Raisins: $20 million
USDA says the commodities will be sourced from U.S. growers and processors and distributed to food banks and related nutrition assistance programs nationwide.