Necessary Evil: Tariffs Help Protect From Overdependence on Foreign Food Supply

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, Trade

By Clint Thompson The threat and subsequent implementation of tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico by the Trump Administration triggered hard feelings and retaliatory tariffs. But it’s a necessary evil so support can be rallied for American businesses, including specialty crop farmers in Florida and Georgia. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), …

Lobbyist Outlook: Greer’s Confirmation as Trade Rep a Win for Production Agriculture

Clint ThompsonTrade

By Clint Thompson Jamieson Greer’s confirmation as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is a win for production agriculture. He provides experience at a job that will require plenty to navigate the various challenges that lie ahead. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington D.C., discussed the impact of Greer’s …

Trade Outlook: Updated Forecasts for Horticultural Export, Import Products

Clint ThompsonTrade

U.S. agricultural exports are forecast at $170 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025, an increase of $500 million from the August forecast. Ag imports in FY 2025 are forecast at $215.5 billion, an increase of $3.5 billion from the August forecast and $9.3 billion more than the $206.2 billion recorded in FY 2024. These latest forecasts are according to the …

New Administration Brings Energy, Hope That Ag Issues Get Resolved

Clint ThompsonTrade

By Clint Thompson A new administration in the White House beginning in 2025 provides a fresh start for the agricultural community. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., discussed the ramifications of the November election and what can be expected in the agricultural industry moving forward. “I think …

GFVGA Executive Director: Imports Forecast Shows ‘Growing Dependency’ on Other Countries

Clint ThompsonTrade

By Clint Thompson Agricultural imports are so commonplace that a projected increase is not a surprise to Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA); disappointing but not surprising. Ag imports in fiscal year (FY) 2025 are forecast at $212 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural …

specialty crop

Undersecretary Keys in on Specialty Crop Trade

Dan CooperExports/Imports, Specialty Crops, Trade

While meeting with reporters at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual convention, USDA Undersecretary for Trade, Alexis Taylor, keyed in on trade missions that could be particularly beneficial to the nation’s specialty crop industries. Taylor said funding from the USDA will also help the industry with trade challenges. “In addition to some market development work, we’re doing a hundred …

Seeking Innovation and New Opportunities in a Competitive Market

Web AdminTomatoes, Trade

By Frank Giles Michael Schadler, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, discusses how the season has progressed and ongoing trade issues with Mexico. How has the tomato season gone thus far for Florida growers? Schadler: The start of the season was tremendously challenging for much of the industry due to Hurricane Ian. The fall crop in parts of Central …

Agricultural Trade Mission to Japan

Web AdminTrade, USDA

A country known for its many purchases of U.S. agricultural products could soon become a greater buyer following an agricultural trade mission (ATM). Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade Alexis Taylor brought almost 40 U.S. food companies and commodity groups to Japan in hopes of boosting farm and food exports to the country. “I heard a lot of real positive …

Latest Forecasts: Exports Down $3.5 Billion; Imports Down $1.0 Billion

Web AdminTrade

U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2023 are forecast at $181.0 billion, down $3.5 billion from the February forecast, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service Situation and Outlook Report. Horticultural exports are unchanged at $39.0 billion, though the forecast for sugar and tropical product exports is revised up $400 million to …

Georgia Industry Expert: Just Because It’s Cheap Doesn’t Make it Better

Web AdminTrade

By Clint Thompson The specialty crop sector would be challenged to find a company more passionate and devoted to the future and sustainability of its farmers than those affiliated with Lewis Taylor Farms. Bill Brim, co-owner of the farming operation in Tifton, Georgia, has long advocated for the American farmer and against unfair trade which has negatively impacted producers across …