USDA intends to purchase up to $472.5 million in American agricultural commodities to support producers and supply food assistance programs.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the purchases will help strengthen agricultural markets while providing nutritious food to families in need.
According to USDA, the initiative includes $165.5 million in dairy products, $41 million in pork, $37 million in split peas, $30 million in almonds and $29 million in lentils.
Additional purchases will include rice, poultry, citrus, raisins, hazelnuts, chickpeas, catfish and other commodities.
The purchases will be conducted through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service under Section 32 authority, which allows the government to buy domestically produced agricultural products for nutrition assistance programs.
USDA said the initiative is intended to support commodity prices, strengthen rural economies and create additional marketing opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and food processors.
