Apple slices to USDA - hold that thought

I asked Jimmie Turner, spokesman for the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, about the results of the AMS November invitation to bid for millions of pounds of fresh apple slices for USDA feeding programs. I was surprised by his response, though developing coverage in The Packer may help clarify the reasons behind it. Here is what Jimmie relayed to me:

“Most of the bidders were unfamiliar with the process. In the interest of being fair to all parties, and to ensure the best price to the government, we decided to terminate the invitation. We intend to reissue an invitation.”