ADVOCACY REPORT
Updates from Washington
It has been a busy year in Washington, D.C., with significant events requiring attention from the new Administration.
The Blue Diamond team is following the developments happening for critical issues such as trade, the farm bill, and
immigration. As we continue to build relationships with new appointees, our work is focused on those issues most
affecting Blue Diamond grower-owners.
Trade
Trade continues to impact the
California almond industry. China,
India, and Turkey have all increased
tariffs on the exported good in
response to the U.S. increase duties on
steel and aluminum. If additional items,
such as automobiles, are affected the
trade situation could escalate quickly
with almonds continuing to be a target.
India’s action on tariffs is expected
to lower sales in the country, but U.S.
negotiators are working to resolve this.
China increased duties on almonds
from 10 percent to 50 percent has
impacted sales to Hong Kong and
Vietnam. Little progress has been
made in reducing the tariffs, and if
the President announces new and
increased duties, trade relations
could be further strained with China.
The U.S. continues to renegotiate
NAFTA — an agreement beneficial
for
Blue Diamond
— and awaits
action by Mexico and their new
president. There is rising speculation
that the U.S. may agree on a deal
with Mexico and then attempt to
reach an agreement with Canada.
The revised KORUS agreement is
almost completed and awaiting
ratification by the Korean Congress.
No progress has been made on any
other bilateral agreement.
Immigration
Earlier this year, the Senate did not
agree to consider an immigration bill
and, in June, the House twice rejected
two immigration bills. We will be
watching closely for additional
immigration bills to be considered by
the House and whether agriculture
immigration reform with E-Verify
will take a vote by leadership. This
legislation is proving a challenge to
pass on the floor as the Freedom
Caucus continues its stand against
helping workers in agriculture. House
Democrats will be critical to the
bill’s passage and will need to if
the Senate is to take action on an
immigration bill.
SAVE THE DATE!
108
th
Blue Diamond Growers
Annual Member Meeting
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Modesto Centre Plaza, 10
th
& K Streets
(Adjacent to the Modesto Doubletree Hotel)
Join us for seminars, lively exhibits, a membership luncheon and business meeting,
all celebrating the continued success of
Blue Diamond
and its members.
Watch for more information in the following months.
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A L M O N D F A C T S
