(WASHINGTON D.C.) — On Thursday, USDA and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the agency’s intent to purchase up to $263 million in dairy and agricultural products from American farmers and producers for distribution to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.
“From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” said Secretary Rollins. “Through these Section 32 purchases, USDA is delivering wholesome, real food to Americans while injecting critical dollars into local economies. By turning harvests into meals, we are not only stabilizing farm income and protecting rural jobs—we are nourishing our nation and supporting the farmers who feed America. Under President Trump’s leadership, these investments strengthen the food supply, sustain rural communities, and reinforce agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience.”
The dairy industry specifically is seeing $148 million in purchases out of the total $263 million purchase announcement. That number matches the amount requested by the National Milk Producers Federation in a letter sent to USDA last November, which was followed by extensive conversations and further official communication with USDA. Other recent USDA purchases intended to boost the farm economy have included $80 million for specialty crops and $100 million for seafood.
“Dairy farmers have shared in the struggles faced throughout the agricultural economy, and these purchases will provide important relief to producers who will benefit from the additional demand, helping them provide nutritious dairy products to Americans and the world,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said.
According to a release from NMPF, USDA Section 32 purchases, authorized by the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, allow USDA to buy surplus, domestically produced agricultural products to stabilize farm products and provide food to federal nutrition assistance programs. Under the program, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service notifies industry and stakeholders of new opportunities by issuing Purchase Program Announcements throughout the year. Following today’s announcement, USDA will invite offers from approved USDA vendors and award purchase contracts.
Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, also commented on the news from USDA saying in a statement that “IDFA applauds USDA’s significant investment in nutritious U.S. dairy products for Americans who rely on food assistance and federal nutrition programs. Milk, cheese, butter and other dairy foods deliver essential nutrients that support health at every stage of life. We thank USDA for supporting America’s dairy farmers and processors while ensuring wholesome, nutrient-dense foods reach communities in need.”
Below is a list of the purchases announced by USDA on Thursday:
Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases
AMS continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net. USDA AMS will purchase up to $263 million of the following commodities:
- Butter: $75 million
- Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Products: $32.5 million
- Swiss Cheese: $10 million
- Fresh Fluid Milk: $20.5 million
- Ultra-High Temperature Milk: $10 million
- Chickpeas: $12 million
- Dried Beans (Black and Pinto): $25 million
- Fresh Pears: $15 million
- Lentils: $14 million
- Pecans: $10 million
- Split Peas: $24 million
- Walnuts: $15 million
