According to the California Peach Canner Association, the USDA bought about 3 million (2,989,200) boxes of canned peaches this year for school lunches and other federal food and nutrition assistance programs in the country at lower prices than last year.

 

Nearly 2.4 million (2,399,232) boxes of canned peaches were supplied by food companies, accounting for 80% of the total purchases of canned peaches by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The remaining 20% were purchased. All three bids were unsuccessful.

 

The USDA purchase price ranges from $1.89 to $3.69, lower than the USDA offer to California destinations last July.

 

According to CCPA statistics, the canned peaches purchased by USDA include: 6/10 (3kg) of peaches 640,224 boxes, 6/10 (3kg) of peaches 480,624 boxes, 24/300 grams of peach cans 552,420 boxes, 24/300 grams of mixed fruit cans 594,540 boxes, and 6/10 (3kg) of mixed fruit cans 721,392 boxes. As a result, 2,989,200 cases have been purchased this year.

 

Peach harvest in the United States this year is reported to be 8% lower than last year, as growers use lower yields to control stocks and prices. However, CCPA reports that extreme weather conditions have reduced the quality of fruit, affecting Canners and growers.

 

The Canned and Frozen Fruit Purchase Program announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in March also includes purchasing:

 

Canned apricot: 6/10 (3kg) diced or split and 24/300g;

 

Canned mixed fruits: 24/300g and 6/10 (3kg);

 

Canned pear: 24/300g, 6/10 (3kg) diced or opposite;

 

Frozen strawberry slices: 6/5 pounds/bag, 30 pounds/box, 6/5 pounds package and 96/4.5 ounces fruit cup;

 

Frozen apricot: 96/4.5 ounce fruit cup, 6/5 pound piece;

 

Freeze Walnuts: 96/4 oz Peach Ding Cup, 20 lb/box slices.