USDA to Purchase $25 million in Citrus from Domestic Producers Supporting Communities in Need

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its intent to purchase up to $25 million in fresh citrus from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.<_o3a_p>

"These purchases will benefit citrus producers by removing surplus commodities from the market and at the same time help provide nutritious food for people in need," said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "These purchases come at an important time when, in addition to many producers being in need of a market for their commodities, a significant part of the industry has been impacted by recent hurricanes."<_o3a_p>

A pre-solicitation will be published by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Purchases are determined by industry requests, market analysis and food bank needs. Details on how vendors may participate are available on the Selling Food to USDA page on the AMS website. Industry requests for future purchases using Section 32 funds will be assessed on an ongoing basis.<_o3a_p>

On an ongoing basis AMS purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products as authorized by Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935. These "USDA Foods" are provided to USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation's food safety net.<_o3a_p>

Information about the ways USDA is working to support farmers and communities in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton can be found at farmers.gov/hurricane.

AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and globally. AMS services and its significant grant investments create opportunities by supporting American farmers, ranchers and businesses across the supply chain, and drive economic development in small towns and rural communities.

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USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news.
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