FRESNO, CA - As suppliers begin to map out their 2022 California table grape seasons, the sector is also ramping up for a key annual investment. It was recently announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase $30 million worth of U.S.-grown table grapes as part of its 2022 Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP).

The USDA has committed $30 million to purchase U.S.-grown table grapes to be distributed to food banks and other food programs around the country. The purchases will be made June through December, according to a release from the California Table Grape Commission, during a time frame in which California-grown table grapes occupy a large part of U.S. production.

The USDA award announcement comes as planning for the 2022 California table grape season kicks off and meetings with retailers are scheduled. For suppliers, planning for the season includes knowing what commitments are already made for the upcoming crop.

The $30 million award is a result of a formal request made by the California Table Grape Commission, and this marks the third consecutive year that table grapes have been included in the federal food purchasing program.

As explained in the release, table grape shippers interested in participating in the FPDP must apply to become a USDA vendor and then, if approved, submit bids in a competitive process. Growers must undergo and pass the USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which focuses on farm review and field harvesting and packing activities, and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits, which cover packinghouses, cold storage, and transportation.

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California Table Grape Commission United States Department of Agriculture