California Avocado Commission Calls for Seasonal Import Policy
If you've noticed more California avocado growers speaking up lately, there's a reason. The California Avocado Commission is asking Washington to put American farmers first as trade talks with Mexico continue.
A third round of bilateral negotiations is scheduled for the week of July 20, and the Commission says those discussions could have real consequences for California's avocado industry. It points to concerns over market oversupply from imports, pest inspections, and cartel involvement in parts of Mexico's avocado supply chain.
The Commission is urging federal officials to consider a seasonal Tariff Rate Quota, or TRQ, during California's March through September harvest season. Under the proposal, a set volume of Mexican avocados could still enter the U.S. at a zero tariff, while imports above that level would face a higher tariff.
Commission President Ken Melban says growers aren't asking to stop trade. He says they're simply asking for a fair opportunity to compete during California's harvest season while protecting domestic avocado production. To watch the Commission's video on the proposal, head to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuWRM3bQj_E
