USDA to Purchase $25M of Fresh Citrus

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to purchase up to $25 million worth of fresh citrus from domestic producers. These purchases will be distributed to food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide.

The citrus purchases, made under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, aim to reduce market surpluses while providing nutritious food for those facing hardship. According to USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt, the purchases come at a critical time, as recent hurricanes have significantly impacted parts of the citrus industry.

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will publish pre-solicitation details for vendors interested in participating. These purchases are based on industry requests, market analysis, and the needs of food banks.

The purchased citrus will be distributed through USDA Food and Nutrition Service programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), ensuring vital nutrition reaches those who need it most.

From California Citrus Mutual, California produces 90 percent of all the fresh citrus marketed in the United States. About 70 percent is sold domestically while the remaining 30 percent is exported to other countries around the world.