The USDA plans to conduct a pre-solicitation call for fresh apples under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, which authorizes the agency to buy surplus agricultural commodities to support market prices and provide food assistance domestically.
With a large 2023 crop, shipping point apple prices in the U.S. are lower than the same time a year ago. On Aug. 6, size 88-count red delicious were trading at $13.40 to $22.95 per carton. That is down from $25.40 to $30.95 per carton for the same pack in early August 2023.
The USDA said it intends to issue a direct delivery contract for fresh apples.
“The initial solicitation will be issued in the near future for fresh apple deliveries,” the USDA said in a news release.
Prior to that, offerors will be able to submit questions for a meeting discussing the details of the solicitation.
A pre-solicitation call is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. Central Time. The meeting can be accessed via this link or by phone at 314-530-5560, 904507856# (phone conference ID: 904 507 856#).
Written questions submitted in advance of the call must be received no later than 3 p.m. CT on Thursday, Aug. 8.
