American Pistachio Growers (APG) is pleased with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to purchase up to $80 million worth of specialty crops, including pistachios, for distribution through food banks and nutrition assistance programs nationwide. These purchases, authorized under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, aim to bolster agricultural producers while supporting communities facing food insecurity.

The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) regularly acquires a range of domestically grown and processed agricultural products, known as USDA Foods. These items are supplied to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which plays a key role in the nation's food safety net.

“Included in this announcement is USDA’s intention to purchase up to $20 million of American-grown pistachios,” said Zachary Fraser, APG President and CEO. “These purchases will deliver important benefits to our growers, consumers, and local communities.”

Alongside pistachios, the USDA intends to buy up to $20 million each in almonds, grape juice, and raisins.

This federal Section 32 purchase supports pistachio growers by helping stabilize prices, reducing surplus pressures, and providing a dependable market for premium U.S. pistachios. At the same time, it delivers nutritious food to food banks and those in need.

For Arizona growers in particular—where pistachio production contributes to the state's agriculture, with bearing acreage and output supporting local economies—this program enhances long-term sustainability and highlights the vital role of pistachio farmers in feeding Americans. Recent industry and USDA-related sources (including FAS tree nuts reports and analyses citing USDA data) indicate Arizona's pistachio-bearing acreage is around 25,000 acres as of recent years.

American Pistachio Growers is a non-profit trade association representing more than 850 grower members in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.