May 5, 2020

USDA Announces $470 Million in Section 32 Purchases

Yesterday, USDA announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide.

These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in need, in response to changing market conditions caused by the COVID-19 national emergency.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will purchase a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and seafood products. Specific purchase amounts for specialty crop commodities include:

  • Asparagus: $5 million
  • Pears: $5 million
  • Potatoes: $50 million
  • Prunes: $5 million
  • Raisins: $15 million
  • Strawberries: $35 million
  • Sweet Potatoes: $10 million
  • Tart Cherries: $20 million

Purchases are determined by industry requests, market analysis and food bank needs. AMS will begin issuing solicitations in June and intends to begin deliveries in July.

Details on how vendors may participate are available on the Selling Food to USDA page on the AMS website. 

Solicitations will be posted to the AMS Open Purchases Request website once available.

Industry requests for future purchases using Section 32 funds, including potential plans for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020, will be assessed on an ongoing basis.