USDA announces purchase of more than $470 million in food to support producers and strengthen food supply

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Thursday its intention to purchase domestic agricultural products worth up to $472.5 million. The goal is to distribute these products through the charitable food assistance network and other nutrition programs, at a time when several agricultural markets are facing strain.

A measure providing direct support to farmers

The Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, emphasized that the measure aims to reward the work of American farmers, ranchers and fishermen. According to her, the investment will ensure that products such as milk, cheese, lentils, almonds, rice and catfish reach those who need them, rather than going unsold. "We are committed to putting farmers first," Rollins said, linking the decision to the policy of the Trump administration to prioritize domestic production.

Purchases under Section 32 to stabilize the markets

Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32, a mechanism that allows the USDA to intervene in commodity markets when imbalances occur. This tool aims to stabilize prices, provide relief to producers during times of economic hardship, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural system.

Products and regions benefiting

The volume of purchases spans multiple regions and sectors. It includes legumes from the Northern Plains and the Pacific Northwest, nuts and citrus fruits, farmed catfish from the South, rice, pork and chicken, and Pacific hake from the West Coast. According to the USDA, each purchase generates economic activity in rural areas by supporting processors, packers, transporters and workers in the sector.

Breakdown of planned purchases

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will be responsible for carrying out the purchases. The planned allocation of funds includes dairy products ($165.5 million), pork ($41 million), split peas ($37 million), almonds ($30 million), lentils ($29 million), raisins ($25 million), hazelnuts ($22 million), rice ($21 million), chickpeas and catfish ($20 million each), chicken ($20 million), Pacific hake ($12 million) and a mix of dried fruits, grapefruit, and oranges ($10 million each).

These purchases are part of the AMS's regular operations, which involve procuring domestically produced agricultural products for the USDA's nutritional assistance programs. The agency emphasizes that these foods are a key component of the country's food safety net.

The announcement comes at a time when several agricultural commodity markets are facing marketing challenges, and is part of the USDA's efforts to link domestic production more directly to food aid distribution channels.