USDA Announces Large Purchase of Potatoes for Relief

WASHINGTON, DC – Pictures and videos of producers dumping commodities due to the lack of demand, especially in foodservice, are in social media. Due to mandated shutdowns, the U.S. potato industry has been reeling from an oversupply of processing potatoes. USDA has announced a $50 million surplus potato purchase to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potato purchase is the largest of all the specialty crop purchases. USDA is purchasing the crops through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). These “USDA Foods” will then be provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) assistance programs, including food banks.