By Clint Thompson
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is eager to work with the President-Elect Donald Trump and his administration. Though this will mark Trump’s second term as president, his administration will look much differently.
Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed his organization’s mindset when working with newly appointed leaders in Washington D.C.
“We have to approach it as an opportunity to tell our story, either to a new audience or people that may be in new positions that can continue to push for change in areas like labor and trade where we so desperately need some help. We look forward to working with both parties and whatever administration we can work with to bring about some meaningful change,” Butts said.
“I think most importantly it will give us the opportunity to go back in and look at some programs like H-2A where we’ve had problems. It’ll give us a chance to look at trade issues, perhaps in a different light with this administration than the previous one. I think any time we have that change it’s an opportunity.”
Labor Issues continue to persist for Georgia’s specialty crop producers. Adverse Effect Wage Rates are outrageously expensive for Georgia’s fruit and vegetable farmers.
Rising imports also remain a concern. Butts was present a recent press conference with Sen. Jon Ossoff and Congressman Sanford D. Bishop outlining the proposed Protecting Our Produce Act. It would offer protection for certain commodities against imports from South America.
“The issues for us haven’t changed, what has changed is those in positions of leadership that can help us affect change. Our job is to go tell that story again to a new group of folks,” Butts said.