USDA Buying Broiler Legs

WASHINGTON - Apr 19/06 - SNS -- The USDA plans to buy up to U.S. $32.5 million worth of broiler leg quarters and products for distribution through the National School Lunch Program and other domestic food assistance programs.

"This purchase will create a much-needed outlet for broiler leg quarters," the government department said in a statement. "Broiler producers have been unable to market leg quarters in sufficient quantity because of a rapid decline in export demand."

The amount of leg quarters purchased by USDA will depend on the quantities offered, prices bid, and recipient requirements. These purchases will help reduce the burdensome levels of leg quarters currently in cold storage.

Purchase details will be mailed to the industry following an announcement of the start of the purchase program. Interested suppliers should contact the Contracting Officer, USDA/AMS/Poultry Programs, Commodity Procurement Branch, 1400 Independence Ave., SW. Room 3941-S, STOP 0260, Washington, DC 20250-0260. An electronic version of this announcement can be obtained through the World Wide Web via the Commodity Procurement Home Page at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/cp.