News Releases for March 2002
March 22, 2002
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Hoeven Announces Purchase of up to $10 Million of Bison Meat
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has committed to purchasing up to $10 million of bison meat products for distribution in federal food and nutrition programs. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jim Moseley notified Governor Hoeven of the award today during his visit to North Dakota.
“I have worked closely with USDA officials encouraging them to authorize a substantial purchase of bison meat for food distribution programs,” Hoeven said. “I commend the USDA for this effort to help the bison industry while also providing wholesome food for assistance programs.”
Earlier this year the USDA announced the purchase of 840,000 pounds of surplus bison meat for the Food Distribution Program for Indians on Reservations. This purchase is part of a Section 32 Bonus Buy to acquire surplus commodities from distressed industries.
According to Hoeven, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service will begin purchasing ground bison and bison stew meat in the next few months.
“We are pleased the USDA is moving forward with the bison purchase,” Hoeven said. “We need to stimulate and promote all of our agricultural sectors if we’re going to succeed in diversifying the industry in North Dakota.”
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