U.S. ag trade negotiator talks apple industry issues during visit to orchard
Getting an up-close view of apple industry issues, U.S. agricultural trade negotiator Doug McKalip visited an apple orchard in Lancaster, Pa., on Nov. 9.
McKalip, the chief ag negotiator in the office of the U.S. trade representative, came to Cherry Hill Orchards & Farm Market along with U.S. Apple President and CEO Jim Bair and others to discuss trade, jobs and market conditions, according to a news release.
“The viability of small family-owned apple orchards and the apple industry’s ability to provide good jobs is linked to healthy export markets,” Corey McCleaf, manager of Cherry Hill Orchards & Farm Market, said in the release. “I was impressed and appreciative that ambassador McKalip took the time to tour our orchard and learn about how important these markets are to the U.S. apple industry.”
The U.S. apple industry is responsible for 150,000 jobs and more than $8 billion in wages, and when accounting for downstream effects, it is responsible for more than $23 billion in economic output, according to the release. While the U.S. has historically exported one-third of its apple crop, exports are now at their lowest level in 10 years, the release said.
“We greatly appreciate ambassador McKalip’s leadership that reduced tariffs on U.S. apples and essentially re-opened what used to be the second-biggest market for our apples — India,” Ryan Hess, CEO of Hess Brother’s Fruit Co., said in the release. Hess also is a member of U.S. Apple’s board of directors, who attended the tour. “It’s clear that ensuring the success of America’s farmers and producers has been a top-line priority for USTR.”
The office of the U.S. trade representative negotiates directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve disputes, and to participate in global trade policy organizations, the release said.
