California Farmers Foreign Relationships and USDA Trade Mission to Hong Kong
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**Tariffs and retaliatory tariffs have California farmers doing what they can to preserve their relationships with foreign buyers.
Ryan Elliot, of Stillwater Orchards in Sacramento County, which sells about 10% of its fresh-market pears to Canada, says his sales team is planning to go to Canada next month to meet with buyers.
Elliot adds should tariffs halt some canned fruit imports from Europe and China, that could benefit his family’s farm.
**USDA will lead a trade mission to Hong Kong May 12-16 to enhance market access and expand American agricultural exports.
Mark Slupek, of the Foreign Ag Service, says Hong Kong is a key gateway for U.S. exports, connecting our farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses with one of the most dynamic markets in Asia.
As a free port and gateway to Southeast Asia, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in facilitating food and ag exports.
**The U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement on how to handle a damaging livestock pest called New World screwworm.
Reuters says the agreement was reached only after Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins threatened to limit Mexican cattle imports coming across the border.
Screwworms can infect livestock, wildlife, and in rare cases, people.
The screwworm flies leave maggots that burrow into the skin of animals, doing significant and often fatal damage.
