USDA has announced plans to purchase up to $20 million in almonds through its Section 32 authority as part of a broader $80 million investment in specialty crop purchases for distribution through federal nutrition assistance programs. The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation Convention and includes purchases of domestically produced almonds, grape juice, pistachios, and raisins.

“USDA’s decision to include almonds in this Section 32 purchase reflects continued engagement and advocacy to ensure almonds remain eligible and competitive within federal nutrition programs,” said Alexi Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “While there is more work ahead, this purchase represents progress in expanding market access and maintaining demand for U.S.-grown almonds through these programs.”

The purchases will be administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and distributed through USDA Food and Nutrition Service programs, including food banks and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). AMS commodity purchases are a key component of the nation’s food safety net, helping deliver nutritious, U.S.-grown food to communities in need while supporting American producers.

Solicitations will be issued in the near future through USDA’s Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system. Contracts are expected to be firm-fixed-price, with deliveries made FOB destination to locations across the United States. All commodities must be grown, processed, and prepared exclusively in the United States. Additional information, including solicitation details and vendor qualification requirements, is available through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.