Can’t Depend on China: Country’s Own Pecan Production Progress a Concern for SE Growers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson China’s presence as an export destination for U.S. pecans is a thing of the past. Southeast (SE) producers should not rely on China continuing to import substantial amounts of pecans, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “From this point on, I would not count on China anymore. We may see years where they …

Back in the Game: China Resurfaces as Purchaser of U.S. Pecans

Web AdminPecan

By Clint Thompson Harvest season is well underway for pecan producers in the Southeast. Growers of pecans are harvesting or are about to harvest the earliest varieties like Pawnee, Elliott, Oconee, Creek and Caddo. Farmers can be encouraged that market prices should not dip below the levels they are currently at. That is due in large part to a familiar …

U.S. Congressman Scott Addresses China Concerns During Conference

Web AdminSpecialty Crops

By Clint Thompson U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA-08) believes China to be an adversary, no longer an aggressive competitor. So, naturally when China controls certain agricultural inputs, most notably seed, it concerns the legislator. “I don’t blame the Chinese for being smart, I blame us for being naïve about what they were doing and not paying enough attention to it …

Canada Tops Foreign-Owned Ag Lands in U.S.; China Increasing

Web AdminFarmland

By Clint Thompson Foreign investments in U.S. agricultural land continues to be a trendy topic in agricultural and political circles. But one industry leader wants people to know that not all foreign purchases have evil intentions. In fact, the most don’t, says Mykel Taylor, ALFA (Alabama Farmers Federation) Eminent Scholar with Auburn University. “I think we will be wise to …

Ag Secretary: China About $16 Billion Short in Purchases in Phase One Agreement

Web AdminExports/Imports, USDA

By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the importance of exports and holding countries to specified agreements during a speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday. He was especially specific when discussing the country’s relationship with China. “I know that 30% at some point in time of what we grow and raise is ultimately exported …

USHBC, Pagoda Celebrate USA Fresh Blueberries in China

Web AdminBerries, Exports/Imports, Top Posts

SHENZHEN, China — Consumers in China can finally enjoy fresh blueberries from the United States. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) teamed up with Pagoda, a leading fruit retailer in China, on Thursday to hold a ceremony celebrating the arrival of fresh U.S. blueberries to mainland China, the first-ever promotion of USA fresh blueberries in China. The United States is …

Opportunity Awaits? Blueberry Exports to China Could Be Game Changer

Web AdminBerries, Exports/Imports, Florida, Top Posts

While the pending International Trade Commission decision regarding the case of serious injury that imports have had against blueberry growers will be pivotal for producers in Florida and Georgia, another marketing opportunity may lie with producers capitalizing on exports to China. Greg Fonsah, University of Georgia Agribusiness Extension economist, said during Friday’s Ag Forecast meeting there is a real opportunity …

China ‘Behind’ in Phase One Trade Agreement Responsibilities

Web AdminTop Posts, Trade

China is on the clock with regards to the Phase One Trade Agreement, which was signed earlier this year between China and the U.S. Veronica Nigh, American Farm Bureau economist, said China has fallen behind in its initial purchasing goal and questions linger about the country’s ability to fulfill its initial obligation. “Thus far, both the U.S. and China have …

Senator David Perdue on USMCA and Phase One China Trade Deal

Web AdminTrade

By Clint Thompson Georgia Senator David Perdue is optimistic about Wednesday’s phase one trade deal that the United States will sign with China that includes the foreign country increasing its purchasing of US agricultural products by $32 billion over the next two years. “My suggestion all along was to go to an incremental phase approach with China. They wanted to …

Trump Pledges to Protect Farmers as He Considers More China Tariffs

Web AdminLegislative, Top Posts

A trade dispute with China has U.S. producers wondering how this will impact them and their businesses. Despite worrisome retaliation tariffs from China, President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue vows to take care of America’s farmers and ranchers. Perdue says that he is under an order from President Trump to develop a plan to protect U.S. farmers …