SACRAMENTO — Expressing the desire for a quick resolution of trade disputes that have disrupted exports of California farm products, the president of the California Farm Bureau Federation said he appreciates administration efforts to address the impact on farmers and ranchers.

CFBF President Jamie Johansson responded to the announcement of a tariff-assistance package by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Because our state leads the nation in agricultural exports, California has a lot at stake in assuring fair trade of farm products,” Johansson said. “We appreciate how USDA has worked to assemble this package quickly at a time of market uncertainty for farmers and ranchers.”

According to USDA officials, the aid will include bonus purchases of fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats and other food products, to benefit food banks and other food-aid programs.

“We hope these food purchases will provide some immediate relief to farmers and ranchers affected by trade disputes,” Johansson said. “Investing these purchases back into communities through food banks will be helpful in more ways than one.”

He said the package promises short-term relief, but that long-term resolution to the trade disputes remains urgent.

“Ultimately, farmers and ranchers want what we have always wanted: to trade on a fair basis with customers around the world who want to buy our products,” Johansson said. “We will continue to urge the administration and our congressional delegation to resolve the trade disputes as quickly as possible.”

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 40,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.

–California Farm Bureau Federation

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