With the Trump Administration now in full swing, the ag industry is closely watching how policies will evolve under this new leadership.
Specialty crop growers are monitoring potential trade impacts out of the White House. The President of Pear Bureau Northwest stresses the importance of ag groups staying proactive, urging them to advocate for the industry’s unique needs, particularly regarding trade.
“This country needs it just as much as others do too. Yeah, I think our only chance is being in front of it. We cannot wait. I think it has to happen now. And certainly, there are lots of organizations that are already ringing those bells, so I hope that that just continues,” said CarrieAnn Arias.
Arias stressed that trade is essential for both the U.S. and its biggest trading partners, as they rely on U.S. food exports.
This all comes as tariff talks are heating up in the new White House. In discussions with reporters, President Trump said he wants to put tariffs on the EU, as well as a 10 percent punitive duty on Chinese imports. This is in addition to a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico. The Administration hopes to have these in place by the start of February.
