Purchases will help local communities, stabilize pistachio prices, and ease surplus pressure

FRESNO, CA --- American Pistachio Growers is gratified by news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops to distribute through food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases, which include pistachios, will be made under USDA’s authority through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and are intended to support agricultural producers while assisting communities in need.

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products, commonly referred to as USDA Foods. These products are provided to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for use in nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Together, these programs form a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.

“Included in this announcement is USDA’s intention to purchase up to $20 million of American-grown pistachios,” said Zachary Fraser, APG President and CEO. “These purchases will deliver important benefits to our growers, consumers and local communities.”

In addition to pistachios, the USDA has announced plans to purchase up to $20 million each for almonds, grape juice and raisins.

“The federal Section 32 purchase of pistachios helps support growers by stabilizing prices, easing surplus pressure, and creating a reliable market for high-quality U.S. pistachios,” said Cadee Condit, APG Vice President of Government Relations. “At the same time, it gets nutritious food into food banks and communities that need it most. For pistachio farmers, the program supports long-term sustainability and recognizes the important role growers play in feeding Americans.”

Information regarding solicitations and the bidding process will be posted as it becomes available.

Contact: Cadee Condit

(209) 756-1202

CCondit@AmericanPistachios.org