WASHINGTON, DC - Critical support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is coming down following the recent hurricanes that have affected our industry. The organization 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.

“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 Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “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.”

A pre-solicitation will be published by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), according to a press release. 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 continue to be assessed.

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.

We applaud the USDA on its continued efforts to support our industry and U.S. communities.