Release No. 0031.97

                              Connie X. Crunkleton (202) 720-8998
                                            cxcrunkleton@usda.gov
                                  Jerry R. Redding (202) 720-6959
                                                jredding@usda.gov

USDA ANNOUNCES ORANGE JUICE PURCHASE TO ASSIST FLORIDA CITRUS GROWERS

     WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to purchase
Florida orange juice to help Florida citrus producers whose crops were
devasted by the recent record freeze.

     "Florida citrus growers are suffering what may turn out to be one of
the worst crop losses in seven years," Glickman said.  "The Department is
making this purchase to help alleviate the economic impact caused by the
winter freeze."

     USDA will purchase canned orange juice and single strength orange
juice in individual serving size containers for donation to the Child
Nutrition Program and other domestic food assistance programs.

     The purchase will be made by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service
from offers that must be submitted on a delivered-to-destination basis.
Approximate quantities sought and dates for offers and acceptance are as
follows:
                         Container   Offers    Acceptance     Delivery
Product        No. Unit     Size      Due          By          Period

Canned         342,720   12/46 oz.   02/18/97   03/04/97      04/01/97-
Orange Juice    cases                                         08/31/97

Single         192,000   70/4 oz.    03/12/97   03/24/97      04/16/97-
Strength        cases    cartons                              06/30/97
Orange Juice

     The quantities may be subject to change depending upon prices,
quantities offered, and possible adjustments in user requirements.

      Details and specifications will be mailed soon to vendors.  Offers to
sell must be received by the Commodity Procurement Branch, Fruit and
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, P.O. Box 23693,
Washington, D.C. 20026-3693, not later than 1 p.m. on the date due.

     Further information may be obtained from the Commodity Procurement
Branch, telephone: 202/720-6391.

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