AFBF: Investigation is Positive Step Towards Fixing Trade Imbalances

The American Farm Bureau Federation calls the Trump administration investigation to remedy damages to U.S. produce farmers a positive step. Last week, the USDA and USTR announced a plan to investigate and help produce farmers harmed by increased imports from other countries. USTR is requesting the International Trade Commission focus on blueberries. Imports of fresh fruits and vegetables have increased dramatically over the past 25 years, driving down prices for domestically grown produce.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall testified about the concerns of produce farmers at a USTR hearing in August.

Duvall said, “We appreciate the work that has been done in recent trade deals to level the playing field for America’s farmers and ranchers, but this investigation demonstrates there are still imbalances that must be addressed.”

As part of the plan, USDA will conduct targeted outreach to produce farmers to maximize the use of existing USDA programs. USDA said it will also develop a market promotion strategy for domestically produced produce.

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