Commodities representatives are hoping for the best but accepting tariff actions

Local commodities spokespersons sounded rational concern about the tariffs being traded by the U.S. and trading partners – most significantly China. They noted some anxiety for how trade wars would affect food growers; but they also noted support for the idea that trade agreements need some re-balancing.

Realistically, you can talk about trade imbalance for years and years ... but you’re not really going to make much difference until some action is taken. Strapping tariffs on products coming from countries that don’t keep a level playing field and having them retaliate, and the back and forth can seem harrowing. It is harrowing, especially when you’ve got your livelihood invested in growing commodities that are often on the front line for tariffs.

It just struck us that domestic trade groups – rice growers, walnut growers, prune growers, etc. – are more or less supportive of tariffs, while acknowledging that the ramifications are good for local growers.

Here’s hoping that the backand-forth comes to a head and favorable trade agreements are hashed out.

“We are supportive of the Trump Administration of trying to get better deals,” said Donn Zea, executive director for the California Died Plum Board. “Sometimes that comes with pain, so we are hanging in as long as we can. Trump is absolutely right, this is a huge issue with agriculture, it’s just rough going getting there.”