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$8.5 Million In Federal Aid Coming To Wash. Apple Commission, Local Growers Due To Tariffs

Trade disruptions from tariffs have taken a toll on export markets, especially agriculture. A trade promotion program seeks to alleviate those additional costs. Marcus Bellissimo reports.

The Washington Apple Commission based in Wenatchee will receive nearly $8.5 million through the federal agriculture department’s Agricultural Trade Promotion Program. It’s a $200 million program stemming from trade disruptions with export markets, namely retaliation from countries affected by tariffs imposed by President Trump.

The funds will go to various agriculture commodity groups to increase promotional efforts and alleviate the impact of additional costs from the tariffs.

Washington state exports one-third of its fresh apple crop and 90 percent of U.S. apple exports originate from Washington. 40 percent of the state’s apple exports are shipped to Mexico and China, where they face retaliatory tariffs of 20 percent and 40 percent respectively. India is another top market that is currently threatening a 25 percent tariff on U.S. apples.

Washington Apple Commission President Todd Fryhover said they appreciate the USDA’s support of the apple industry while it faces challenges from retaliatory tariffs in export markets. He said the funding is key to building markets and reducing the impact on Washington apple producers.

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