Industry body USApple praises government intervention, which it says will benefit struggling apple producers and disadvantaged Americans
The US Apple Association (USApple) has welcomed the news that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase up to US$35mn of fresh apples for distribution via its nutrition assistance programmes across the country.
”USApple greatly appreciates this USDA action, especially when market conditions are so adverse toward growers,” said Jim Bair, the organisation’s president and CEO. ”USDA is always willing for USApple to help them better understand those conditions. This is a win-win for growers and hungry Americans and helps USDA be efficient with taxpayer dollars.”
In a press release, USApple said it continued to play an “active role” in helping ensure such purchases delivered maximum impact.
This includes the organisation of market update webinars on behalf of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service staff, as well as surveys of 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,” it added.
The apples purchased by the USDA will be obtained under the rules set out in Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935. This allows USDA to purchase surplus commodities and distribute them through nutrition programmes, better aligning supply with demand while strengthening agricultural markets.
Bair observed that, as one of just five commodities selected in this week’s announcement by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, apples remain a key part of Rollins’ US$230mn initiative to support domestic agriculture.
