AFBF Disappointed in Blueberry Investigation Ruling

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the International Trade Commission (ITC) Section 202 ruling on blueberry imports.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation is disappointed that the International Trade Commission failed to recognize the damage certain imports are doing to America’s hardworking farmers.

“Seasonal fruit and vegetable farmers face unfair competition from foreign growers and today’s decision demonstrates that much work still needs to be done to address international trade imbalances. Increases in lower-priced fresh, chilled and frozen blueberries during seasonal harvest times in the U.S. leads to lower prices for domestic growers. Since domestic farmers are price-takers, not price-makers, they need time to adjust their operations to the increased import levels.

“We will continue to work with USDA, USTR and the Department of Commerce to find meaningful assistance for our domestic blueberry industry and to ensure America’s farmers are paid a fair price for the food they grow.”