USDA announces deputy administrator for Specialty Crops Program

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has announced that Christopher “Chris” Purdy has been selected as the new deputy administrator of the Specialty Crops Program.

“Chris is very familiar with SCP, having served for over 10 years in several key roles eventually becoming an associate deputy administrator for the program,” AMS Administrator Bruce Summers said in a news release. “I’m excited to have him return to the program, and he brings with him a wealth of knowledge about not only AMS programs and services, but also issues important to the specialty crops industry. For the past five years, Chris has served as the associate deputy administrator in the Commodity Procurement Program, where he helped lead several initiatives important to the specialty crops industry and those that enjoy them, including several significant special purchase programs. These purchase programs helped industry and communities in need during supply and other disruptions caused by trade disputes and the pandemic.”

The Specialty Crop Program helps buyers and sellers of all sizes in the U.S. specialty crops industry to market their perishable products in the most efficient manner, according to the agency.

The program offers an array of services that span from helping market the quality of products to providing timely data to assist with business decisions, the release said.

“I am delighted and honored to accept the position as SCP’s deputy administrator,” Purdy said in the release. “The organization and industry have many challenges and we look forward to working together to continue to improve our services and provide solutions to assist the specialty crops industry compete in today’s market. Whether it’s conducting grading, inspection and food safety audits to assist in a commercial transaction or providing Market News data to help make pricing and purchasing decisions or supporting the hemp program or the many industry-formed and operated marketing orders and research and promotion programs — our experienced and expert staff are here to assist.”

Prior to joining USDA, Purdy worked in the private sector in a business development and marketing capacity, the release said.