Michigan's blueberry industry is thriving, with an impressive production of 72 million pounds of blueberries last year. Now, lawmakers in Lansing are joining forces to ensure its continued growth and success. They are calling on the US government to support the industry by addressing existing tariffs that hinder market access. With approximately 500 blueberry farms in the state, the economic impact is substantial, exceeding $500,000.
The current challenge lies in the tariffs imposed on US blueberries exported to Japan, ranging from 6% to 9.6%. This puts Michigan farmers at a disadvantage compared to their Canadian and European counterparts who enjoy tariff-free access. John Kran from the Michigan Farm Bureau's National Legislative Council stresses the importance of rectifying this situation to ensure fair competition.
Bipartisan efforts led by U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga (MI-04) are underway in Washington to level the playing field. Lawmakers acknowledge that frozen blueberries were mistakenly excluded from previous trade negotiations and are determined to correct this oversight.
Michigan blueberry growers have already experienced the impact of these tariffs on their ability to export frozen berries. By removing these barriers, we can strengthen domestic markets and open doors to new opportunities for growth and profitability. The support from Congress and the Biden Administration will have a positive ripple effect on the blueberry industry, benefitting not only farmers but also the local communities they serve.
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Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy