According to American Pistachio Growers, USDA specialty crop purchases support growers by stabilizing prices, easing surplus pressure and creating a reliable market. Courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture (Courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture)Commodities are destined for food banks and communities in needThe USDA recently announced purchases of up to $80 million in specialty crops — $20 million each for almonds, pistachios, grape juice and raisins. “These purchases will deliver important benefits to our growers, consumers and local communities,” said Zachary Fraser, American Pistachio Growers president and CEO, in a news release. The Section 32 purchases help growers by stabilizing prices, easing surplus pressure and creating a reliable market for pistachios, said Cadee Condit, APG vice president of government relations. “At the same time, it gets nutritious food into food banks and communities that need it most.