Pear Tariff Part 2

Pear Tariff Part 2.  I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

We have been looking at the problems being brought to bear on some of fruit produced in the northwest and exported to Mexico that has incurred a tariff due to government actions. Cherries, apricots, strawberries and pears are all seeing at least a 20% tariff that is affecting the end of the season produce. Kevin Moffitt with Pear Bureau NW says they are working with several groups on a solution.

MOFFITT: They’re working with other groups as well, those others that are affected by this and what will happen and what we’re starting to encourage first of all are phone calls to our elected officials to explain how this is going to hurt us. We’re generating background and information to provide to our industry groups like Wenatchee Traffic Association, Yakima Valley Grower/Shipper Association.

He says they are trying to generate as many phone calls to government leaders as possible and are going across the border for help as well.

MOFFITT: We’re also looking at talking to the importers on the Mexican side because they’re obviously going to hurt from not having the fruit to import and we’re even looking at some potential legal action. We’re in touch with somebody from Mexico who believes there might be some legal issues here.

Strangely enough Moffitt says there is a bright side here.

MOFFITT: They’ve stopped importing from Argentina right now due to some phytosanitary issues. We felt that Argentina would step up and fill the pipeline for pears into Mexico but at this very moment that’s not going to happen because the Mexican government has also stopped imports from Argentina.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.