Jan 16, 2026USDA announces $80 million Section 32 purchases of U.S. nuts and fruit
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops, including pistachios, almonds, grape juice and raisins, according to a press release issued by the agency. The products will be distributed through food banks and federal nutrition programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
The purchases will be made under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, which allows the USDA to buy surplus agricultural products and provide them to the Food and Nutrition Service for use in nutrition assistance programs. The program is intended to support growers, stabilize prices and ease market surpluses while supplying nutritious food to communities in need.
“Included in this announcement is USDA’s intention to purchase up to $20 million of American‑grown pistachios,” said Zachary Fraser, president and CEO of American Pistachio Growers (APG). “These purchases will deliver important benefits to our growers, consumers and local communities.”
Cadee Condit, vice president of government relations for APG added that the Section 32 purchases provide both economic and social benefits.
“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,” Condit said. “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.”
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service regularly acquires domestic fruits, vegetables and nuts, collectively known as USDA Foods, for federal nutrition programs. In 2026, the plan designates $20 million each for pistachios, almonds, grape juice and raisins, reflecting both market conditions and federal priorities for food security.
