USDA to buy $35MM in apples for nutrition assistance

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) BB #:145473 applauds U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase up to $35 million of fresh apples for distribution through nutrition assistance programs across the country.

“USApple greatly appreciates this USDA action, especially when market conditions are so adverse toward growers,” said Jim Bair, USApple President and CEO. “USDA is always willing for USApple to help them better understand those conditions. This is a win-win for growers and hungry Americans and helps USDA be efficient with taxpayer dollars.”

USApple plays an active role in helping ensure these purchases deliver maximum impact. The association conducts market update webinars for USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) staff and surveys major apple-producing states to report the varieties and sizes most available.

This coordination helps USDA stretch its dollars further, reaching more Americans and doing the most good for the apple industry.

The fresh apple purchase will be made through Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935. Section 32 allows USDA to purchase surplus commodities and distribute them through nutrition programs, better aligning supply with demand while strengthening agricultural markets.

As one of just five commodities selected in today’s announcement, apples are a key part of Secretary Rollins’ $230 million initiative to support U.S. agriculture.

Future information, including solicitation amendments and award notices, will be published on the Selling Food to USDA page on the AMS website.

USApple is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 27,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. Our members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and almost $23 billion in economic activity.