US Government expected to make record apple buy

“The largest USDA apple purchase in history” is how the US Apple Association describes the US Department of Agriculture’s plans to buy fresh apples and processed apple products for surplus […]
Mon 04/05/2015
“The largest USDA apple purchase in history” is how the US Apple Association describes the US Department of Agriculture’s plans to buy fresh apples and processed apple products for surplus removal.

“The largest USDA apple purchase in history” is how the US Apple Association describes the US Department of Agriculture’s plans to buy fresh apples and processed apple products for surplus removal.

In its announcement of the purchase program, the USDA did not specify an amount, but the association said it would include 34.9 million pounds of fresh apples and 16.1 million pounds of processed apple products. It said the bonus buy, with an estimated value of $18.3 million, will supplement the USDA’s supply for nutrition programs, such as the school lunch program.

“Coming on the heels of what was likely the largest apple crop in US history, this USDA purchase is welcome news and we thank the department for it,” said US Apple Association president & CEO Jim Bair.

The USDA said an invitation for bid (solicitation) will be issued in the near future for deliveries August through December.

 

USDA announcement

US Apple Association press release