Dec 8, 2012USDA to purchase fresh and processed potatoes
The USDA has allocated $25 million to purchase approximately 300 million lbs. of fresh potatoes and processed potato products. The purchases will benefit federal food nutrition assistance programs, including food banks, according to USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Edward Avalos.
The combination of high levels of production of fresh potatoes, elevated frozen inventory, and a lowering of demand from domestic and export markets has suppressed prices paid for potato products.” Avalos said. “This purchase will help relieve pressure on American potato producers and will help mitigate further downward prices, stabilize market conditions, and provide high quality, nutritious food to recipients of USDA’s nutrition programs.””
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases a variety of high-quality food products each year to support the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. USDA also makes emergency food purchases for distribution to victims of natural disasters.
For more information or purchase details, interested suppliers should contact, in writing: Contracting Officer, USDA/AMS Commodity Procurement Staff, Stop 0256, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; telephone (202) 720-4517; or visit the AMS website here.
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