USDA Will Accelerate Apple Purchases to Help Prices

September 2, 1999

USDA will accelerate purchases of fresh apples as part of the school lunch and other child nutrition programs in an effort to help increase producer prices for apples. The purchase is part of the annual school year buy. Almost 9 million pounds of apples will be acquired.

"Apple growers, along with many other farmers and ranchers, are experiencing devastating economic conditions," says Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. "Competing imports, lower export demand caused by the global economic crisis, and large carryover surpluses from last year's bumper crop have put U.S. producers in tight financial straits. This accelerated purchase will help struggling apple producer see some light at the end of this disastrous tunnel."

Invitations to bid, including final details and specifications, will be mailed to vendors. Offers to sell must be received not later than the date specified in the invitation via fax to (202) 720-7271 or by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Commodity Procurement Branch, Room 2548 South, Stop 0239, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0239.