VIENNA, VA - The USDA is making its largest apple purchase in history to support its supplies for nutrition programs.
The bonus buy includes 34.9 million pounds of fresh apples and 16.1 million pounds of processed apple products for approximately $18.3 million.
“Coming on the heels of what was likely the largest crop in US history, this USDA purchase is welcome news and we thank the department for it,” said Jim Bair, US Apple Association President & CEO. “Adding this action to USDA’s recent success in opening the China market for US apples, it is an understatement to say we are grateful.”
As we previously reported, opening the Chinese market to US apples is expected to increase fresh apple exports from the United States by approximately 10 percent.
Bair also thanked Mark Seetin, USApple’s Director of Regulatory and Industry Affairs for his initiative and hard work on this bonus buy.
The bonus buy will be used to supplement USDA’s supply for nutrition programs, such as the school lunch program, according to a USApple press release.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is expected to make an announcement soliciting offers to sell within a month.
