International Trade

Western Growers Urges for Rapid Conclusion of Trade Conflicts

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a trade mitigation plan that falls substantially short of making fruit, vegetable and tree nut farmers whole for the damages they have incurred, and will continue to incur, as a result of the trade war with China.

In this video, Western Growers provides an initial analysis of the plan and details how a rapid and successful conclusion of our trade conflicts is the only outcome that will preserve our family farms.

Tom Nassif Aug 30 2018 in International Trade

How to Become a Certified USDA Vendor – Webinars Offered This Month

The USDA is developing trade mitigation programs to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified tariff retaliation from China and other countries. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is offering a food purchase and distribution program that will be offered to specialty crop growers. However, in order to qualify and sell directly to USDA, you must become a USDA “approved vendor” first.

AMS will be hosting opportunities to join a live, interactive webinar to discuss these details:

Matt McInerney Aug 14 2018 in Agriculture

Senator Flake Works to Remove Seasonal Protection of Perishable Products from NAFTA Negotiations

Last week, Senator Jeff Flake released his hold on the nomination of Chief Agricultural Negotiator nominee Gregory Doud after successfully securing commitments on NAFTA-related trade priorities from both the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch. Flake, who has long opposed protectionist efforts to restrict cross-border imports, first placed the hold in an effort to resolve concerns over attempts to use the ongoing NAFTA negotiations to add seasonal and regional components to existing trade remedies.

Stephanie Metzinger Feb 06 2018 in International Trade

WG Calls on Trump Administration to Modernize, Not Terminate NAFTA

In response recent public statements made by President Trump and members of his Cabinet indicating that the U.S. may withdraw from NAFTA, Western Growers sent a letter urging the Administration to modernize, not terminate NAFTA.

In the letter, WG President and CEO Tom Nassif cites the economic benefits that NAFTA has provided the domestic fresh produce industry and stated, “…withdrawing from NAFTA is not an option. The disruption created from such a move would be a disaster for U.S. produce companies.”