The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an important decision to supplementally purchase pork for various federal food assistance programs. This move is in line with Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, which allows the USDA to divert commodities like pork from regular trade channels to encourage domestic consumption.
Annually, the USDA purchases pork and other commodities to support federal food programs, including those in schools. The forthcoming procurement, managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), will focus on pork loin roasts, hams, and pork patties, integrating these into the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system.
This initiative comes at a critical time for the U.S. pork industry, which has been experiencing significant market challenges, with average losses of $30 per pig in 2023, occasionally escalating to $60 per head. The USDA AMS's Section 32 purchase is a vital step towards providing relief to the hog and wholesale pork markets. It also ensures that USDA programs receive quality, nutritious pork products.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has lauded this move, highlighting its role in securing the purchase. NPPC continues to work closely with the USDA to find further avenues to support American pork producers amid these challenging market conditions.
In essence, the USDA’s decision to purchase pork for food assistance programs is a strategic intervention. It not only aids in stabilizing the pork market but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the nutritional quality of food available through federal programs, thereby benefiting a broad spectrum of individuals.
Source : wisconsinagconnection