USDA Purchase of Millions of Pounds of Fresh Pears for Nutrition Assistance Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C,-Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today lauded U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to purchase up to two million pounds of fresh Bartlett pears and 4.1 million pounds of Anjou pears for donation to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs. The USDA action follows a letter sent by Smith and Wyden to Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman requesting USDA purchase of Anjou and Bartlett pears to help prevent a northwest pear industry crisis. Pears are the most valuable fruit crop produced in Oregon.
"Oregon's pear industry is renowned the world over, yet it has struggled with the poor market conditions of recent years. Simply put, pear producers in Hood River, the Rogue Valley, and elsewhere in my state cannot win this fight without the support from USDA," said Smith.
"This effort will provide a needed boost to Oregon's pear industry while bringing better nutrition to children and families across America," said Wyden. "This is a great way to help Oregon's struggling pear farmers and to ensure that nutrition programs have the benefit of Oregon's finest produce."
The USDA purchase will improve the economic outlook for many producers who are currently fighting for economic survival. This action will effectively reduce surplus inventory and stabilize the price of fresh pears throughout the season, helping to prevent returns to the growers from falling below their cost of production.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service purchases a variety of high quality food products every year for distribution by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service to a number of food and nutrition programs.
