Key facts
- USDA will purchase $21 million in rice.
- The rice will be distributed through nutrition programs.
- The purchase aims to support domestic agricultural markets.
- The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will conduct the purchases.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on October 29, 2026, that it intends to purchase up to $472.5 million in American-grown agricultural commodities. The purchases are designed to support producers and strengthen the nation's food supply by distributing the food through charitable food networks and nutrition assistance programs. As part of this initiative, the USDA will specifically buy $21 million worth of rice. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins stated that these actions are intended to support farmers and stabilize agricultural markets during periods of imbalance. The purchases will benefit producers nationwide and support rural jobs.