USDA Announces $76.5 Million Food Purchase to Support U.S. Producers and Strengthen America’s Food Supply

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its intent to purchase up to $76.5 million in agricultural commodities from American farmers and producers to distribute 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. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.

Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Atlantic Groundfish, Canned Peaches, Farm-Raised Catfish, Fresh Grapefruit, Fresh Oranges, Frozen Blackberries, and Prunes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh, Frozen, and Processed Fruit, Atlantic Groundfish, and Farm-Raised Catfish products for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (Section 32).

USDA Proposes Rule to Establish Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages of Scotch and Native Spearmint Oil for the 2026-2027 Marketing Year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting comments on a proposed rule to establish the quantity of each class of spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2026-2027 marketing year.

USDA Announces Ground Beef Acceptance Enhancements for School Lunch Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will move to an audit-based model for ensuring ground beef purchased for Federal food and nutrition assistance programs meets specifications and recipient needs. By removing unnecessary requirements, AMS will continue procuring high-quality, nutritious, safe and wholesome protein for USDA Foods recipients while also encouraging new vendor participation by lowering the barrier to entry and keeping costs down.

USDA Announces Meeting Dates for the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee’s semi-annual meeting will be held Aug. 25-26, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. Visit the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee webpage for more information about the committee and meeting details.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting will focus on grain inspection matters including, but not limited to, regulatory updates, technology modernization initiatives, inspection policies and operational updates.

GIAC August 2026 Meeting

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee meeting will be held August 25-26, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting will focus on grain inspection matters including, but not limited to, regulatory updates, technology modernization initiatives, inspection policies, and operational updates.

USDA Requests Comments on Beef Grade Standards

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced today that it is seeking input from the public and stakeholders on how the U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef may be updated to better serve the needs of industry, large volume food buyers and modern consumers. Since the last update to the Beef Grading Standards have been implemented beef production and quality assessment methods have changed significantly, as have consumer preferences.

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