jan-feb-2020

ADVOCACY REPORT European Union and Brexit The European Union (EU) remains a challenging trade partner for U.S. agriculture because of its refusal to include agriculture on the trade talk agenda. A further complication in the negotiations between the U.S. and the EU is Brexit. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson have shown intense interest in negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), although the EU will remain the United Kingdom’s (UK) closest trade partner. The UK has also said that it will continue to follow the EU’s food safety rules, which will make an agreement with the U.S. difficult. The UK is set to leave the EU by the end of the year after which, there will be potential for an FTA. A Focus on Other Trade Issues During 2020, the Administration will also focus on several other trade issues to open markets for U.S. products, including almonds. In addition to the UK, the U.S. will continue efforts to improve the FTA with Israel, which would include improving market access for almonds. Additional FTA’s are also being considered with Vietnam, Brazil, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and potentially one or more countries in Africa. Issues important to our industry will continue to arise in 2020, including EPA regulations and water concerns. The regulatory and legislative docket will be monitored closely for such developments. Blue Diamond Advocate Julian Heron, Partner, Tuttle Taylor & Heron Call Us Today! (800) 675-6075 www.FowlerNurseries.com Newcastle, CA We have high quality stock of almonds, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, European and Asian Pear, and fresh and dried plums! Rooted in innovation... Plan Today for Tomorrow’s orchard Order Early for 2020 & 2021 Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication. 2 6 A L M O N D F A C T S