USDA Attempts to Stabilize US Fruit Market

November 26, 2025 – Texas hopes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture puts Texas-grown fruit at the forefront of a new federal food-supply initiative. This follows the USDA’s announcement that it will purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from American farmers.

The USDA purchase is part of a broader effort to stabilize the national food supply chain, support domestic growers, and respond to recent market disruptions caused by weather events, trade pressures, and agricultural import imbalances. Federal officials say the fruit will be distributed through nutrition programs and food banks, helping address ongoing food-insecurity challenges across the country.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed the investment but said Texas producers must play a central role. He argued that Texas citrus growers — especially those in the Rio Grande Valley — have been hit harder than most states due to repeated freezes, drought, and what he described as Mexico’s failure to meet its water-delivery obligations under the 1944 treaty governing Rio Grande flows.

“Texas farmers aren’t looking for a handout, just a level playing field,” Miller said, calling Texas fruit “the sweetest, freshest citrus in America.”

Texas remains one of the nation’s top citrus producers, with oranges and grapefruit serving as economic pillars for South Texas communities. Miller said USDA’s purchase program can only reach its full potential if Texas fruit is represented in federal contracts.

The commissioner also praised President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins for prioritizing American-grown products, calling the $30 million commitment a meaningful step toward strengthening the domestic agriculture sector amid a volatile global market.

The USDA is expected to begin issuing contracts in the coming months.