WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to buy 3.6 million pounds of surplus apples for distribution to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs.

Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, was among a group of senators who had asked the USDA to intercede, citing high Mexican tariffs on Red and Golden Delicious apples for creating a significant surplus of apples and driving down prices for farmers.

“This is great news for Maine’s farmers who will be eligible for needed assistance in the wake of increased tariffs, weather-related losses, eroding prices and a decrease in federal purchase, which are threatening their industry,” Snowe said in a statement Tuesday. “By purchasing a substantial portion of the apple surplus, the Department of Agriculture is aiding apple growers, while also helping supply nutritious meals for children and others who need them. It’s a win-win situation.”

According to Snowe, Mexico imposed a 46.58 percent tariff in 2002 on Red and Golden Delicious variety apples which effectively closed the apple industry’s most important export market. As a result, about 278,000 cartons of U.S. apples once destined for Mexico are being diverted each week to the domestic market. Additionally, USDA purchases from the 2002 apple crop are down 83 percent when compared to the 2001 crop and 63 percent when compared to the average purchases over the last five years.