Fruit growers want trade partners to work tariffs out themselves, not tax their crops

Fruit growers say they have a lot to lose in a trade war. While there appears to be more clarity on the situation, cherry growers hope agriculture does not get caught in the middle.

“You know, our hope is that, so to speak, we get responses from between the United States and Mexico where, if there is going to be some type of trade war, that it’s more about specific products,” said BJ Thurlby, president of the Northeast Cherry Growers Association. “If it’s chips for computers, let’s keep it in the technology world and not turn around and tax apples. You know, that would be a perfect world for us, where we see like industries, if they have issues, let’s let them work it out.”

Thurlby tells aginfo.net that Mexico is an important market for apples, with tens of millions of boxes exported there each year.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The news immediately caused a drop in equities and commodities, with soybeans down 20 percent in a matter of minutes.
Cade Fiske’s approach embodies the spirit of the FFA — blending education, leadership, and innovation to inspire the future of agriculture.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.