USDA to spend $50 million on milk for food aid

USDA will spend up to $50 million on fluid milk in half-gallon containers for distribution to the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The purchases, announced Tuesday, will be made under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act to encourage consumption of domestic agricultural products and are separate from possible purchases through the $12 billion in farm aid planned to offset retaliatory trade tariffs.The agency did not disclose the level of purchases it will make in the pre-solicitation notice, but industry groups say they have verified with USDA the intent to spend $50 million on pasteurized fat-free, low fat, reduced fat and whole milk.