Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts

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Commodity
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for Tree Nuts
January 2026

Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts

i

Commodity Specification
Effective Date: January 2026

Tree Nuts

GENERAL

All products purchased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must meet the requirements of the Solicitation/Invitation for Bid, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurement (MSCP-D), and this Commodity Specification. Any deviations from these requirements must be approved by the Contracting Officer, in writing.
U.S. Standards
Tree Nuts produced under this Commodity Specification must meet the requirements specified in the applicable United States Standards for Grades of Nuts (shelled or in shell as appropriate) effective on the date of the Solicitation/Invitation for Bid (IFB). The U.S. Standards are published separately and are incorporated herein and made a part of this Commodity Specification.
Exceptions to U.S. Standards
Exceptions to the U.S. Standards for USDA Tree Nut purchases are found in the Individual Commodity Specifications’ section of this document. Additional exceptions may be specified in the applicable Solicitation/IFB. Any exceptions contained in the applicable Solicitation/IFB shall have precedence over the requirements contained herein, for that Solicitation/IFB only. Product Origin
The MSCP-D states that all fruit, vegetable, and nut commodities purchased for the USDA Commodity Procurement Program must be domestic product of the United States. Contractors must meet the U.S. origin requirements in accordance with the latest version of the MSCP-D, found here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food/solicitations. •

Self-certifications by contractors and subcontractors will not be accepted.

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Failure to observe this requirement may lead to suspension or debarment, purchase order termination, and penalties at Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code concerning falsification of information.

Verification of domestic origin is required for every purchase order awarded for each commodity provided for the USDA Purchase Program. Options available to Vendors/Contractors for ensuring compliance are outlined below. Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Program
The DOV program is an annual audit-based program to verify contractors and their subcontractors, suppliers, or processors procedures for ensuring that fruits, vegetables,