Schumer, Gillibrand Announce U.S. Department Of Agriculture Has Agreed To Purchase $18 Million In Surplus Concord Grape Juice To Stabilize Prices For Grape Growers In Upstate New York
Press Release
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will use up to $18 million in Section 32 funds to purchase concord grape juice for use in domestic nutrition programs across the country. The Senators pushed the USDA to help purchase some of this surplus product to ensure the continued success of Concord grape growers in New York and nationwide. Schumer and Gillibrand said this critical purchase of Concord grape juice is great news for growers in the Finger Lakes, Western New York, and Central New York and will be used to supplement the USDA's supply for nutrition programs, such as the school lunch program.
"The USDA's decision to purchase surplus Concord grapes is a major victory for New York growers and individuals across the state receiving nutrition assistance," said Senator Schumer. "More juice sales mean more profit for our growers in Western New York, Central New York and the Finger Lakes as well as increased access to healthier foods for those in need. Today's announcement is good news for every grape-grower in New York."
"This additional USDA funding will support our upstate New York grape growers and is a key step towards ensuring competitiveness while stabilizing prices for farmers," said Senator Gillibrand. "Purchasing the surplus juice for our nutritional assistance programs across the state reaffirms our commitment to essential healthy affordable food programs for New Yorkers in need."
Section 32 funds are used by USDA to purchase agriculture products which are in turn used for nutrition programs such as the school lunch program. These bonus buys by USDA have been effective in the past to stabilize agriculture markets while increasing the supply of nutritious foods available for domestic food assistance programs. Purchases of Concord grapes have helped stabilize their market in the past and this buy will benefit grape producers in New York, and nationwide.
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