Western Produce Industry Groups Call For Biden To Open Trade

Posted by David Eddy|January 15, 2021

Western Growers and a dozen of its fresh produce allies sent a letter this week to President-Elect Joe Biden, highlighting several international trade matters that are jointly important to the group, which includes the California Fresh Fruit Association, the Texas International Produce Association, and the Northwest Horticultural Council.

Agricultural trade has been a hot button issue in recent years – particularly under the Trump Administration – and it is expected to stay at the forefront of the broader industry’s mind for the near future.

Some of the key asks from the letter signatories include:

Resume negotiations with trade partners to resolve retaliatory tariffs.
Resume negotiations with trade partners to achieve new or updated trade agreements.
Reinforce the importance of defending science and proper risk assessments.
Appoint and hire staff with strong knowledge of, and experience with, the fresh produce industry.

Looking ahead at 2021 and beyond, the international trade relationships with China and the European Union remain top issues, as well as the ongoing implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

For the roles of Secretary of Agriculture and U.S. Trade Representative, arguably two of the most essential positions for the advocacy of U.S. agriculture on the global stage, President-Elect Biden has nominated Tom Vilsack and Katherine Tai, respectively. Vilsack was previously Secretary of Agriculture under President Obama; Tai most recently served as Democratic chief trade counsel for the House Ways & Means Committee.