The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on August 1st that it will purchase up to $35 million of fresh apples for distribution through nutrition assistance programs across the country, as part of a Section 32 purchase.
USApple plays an active role in helping ensure these purchases deliver maximum impact. We conduct market update webinars for USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) staff and survey 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.