IRVINE, Calif. (January 15, 2020) – Western Growers Board Chairman and Partner at Talley Farms, Ryan Talley, was on hand at the White House today for the signing of the phase one trade agreement with China. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Chairman Talley issued the following statement:

“Western Growers applauds the significant strides the Trump Administration has made in securing fairer deals for American farmers with key trading partners around the world. On the heels of other recent trade gains with Japan, Mexico, and Canada, the phase one agreement represents constructive progress in the effort to rebalance our nation’s trade relationship with China.

“While American farmers have borne the brunt of the trade war with China, with the overall U.S. exports of fruits, vegetables and tree nuts to China declining by double-digits over the past two years, we are optimistic that with the completion of phase one, and the future completion of phase two, U.S. specialty crop farmers will be able to achieve expanded access to, and financial gain from, this valuable Asian market.”

Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif added the following statement:

“The phase one trade agreement represents welcomed progress with China. We are encouraged by China’s commitment to make substantial additional agricultural purchases above historical norms over the next few years, and eagerly anticipate the removal of trade barriers that have restricted exports of U.S. fruits, vegetables and tree nuts to this critical market.

“Additionally, we applaud the Trump Administration for securing resolutions to specific sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues, which will open up the Chinese market to commodities like avocadoes, blueberries, nectarines and potatoes. Looking ahead, we remain committed to supporting the Administration’s efforts to secure broader reforms to China’s SPS regime, which continues to stymie access for other U.S. specialty crop products.

“As the Administration already has its sights set on starting phase two negotiations, we are pleased that President Trump is delivering on his promise to negotiate better trade deals for American farmers, and look forward to fully realizing the economic benefits of this agreement for the specialty crop industry.”

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook. 

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