Tariff Threats on Mexico Avoided Pt 2

Tariff Threats on Mexico Avoided Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. What could have turned into another tariff war with Mexico appears to have been averted, at least for the time being. But, what about other negotiations that could help right the U.S. ag economy?

U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says the ongoing talks with China and Japan could go a long way in changing the mood ...

NEWHOUSE ... "Well, they're working hard on that as is the Trade Representative, trying to bring these deals to positive conclusion. It's going to be difficult to fully replace a market like China and so I applaud the efforts of the Administration and USDA for expanding efforts into other countries."

Unfortunately, Newhouse says it probably won't happen overnight ...

NEWHOUSE ... "It's a long process, as you know, opening up these markets. And so, I think that it's going to take some time. Working on both fronts though I think is the best approach and having the progress with China is key to our success in the Northwest and I'm hopeful that that is going to come to a swift a conclusion as possible."

But, the sooner the better ...

NEWHOUSE ... "We're right now I think just a couple of days from starting picking cherries and that opens the door for a lot of harvests that are going to be taking place here very soon. And we need those markets and the work that's going on is starting to bear some fruit, but there's still a long way to go."

Newhouse says U.S. Representatives are also in OTHER markets attempting to expand U.S. exports or at least replace anything lost with China.

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BL: Welcome back to another "Fruit Bites" brought to you by Valent U.S.A. And, joining us again is Valent's Allison Walston. And this week Allison, we're talking about mites?

AW: Mites are tiny little arachnid pests (so not true insects) that can cause a lot of feeding damage on fruit & fruit trees.

BL: Are there certain kinds of mites?

AW: We have 2 major types of mites up in the PNW. Spider mites and rust mites.

BL: What are rust mites?

AW: Rust mites are tiny cigar/pie shaped mites that cause russeting damage on the fruit surface.

BL: And, spider mites?

AW: Spider mites actually spin webs (like spiders), usually on the underside of the leaves and feed by sucking each plant cell dry. Feeding damage can leave a stippled look, then leaves can defoliate if too much feeding occurs. Two spotted spider mites can be identified by the two black spots on the back of their body.

Another spider mite, European red mite are large red mites with white bristles sticking out. They lay round red eggs which are very visible. I think they are beautiful. And European red mites can indirectly affect commercial fruit by having large (and noticeable) gatherings in the stem and calyx ends of apples.

BL: Mite-y interesting, thanks Allison. Join us again next time for Fruit Bites, brought to you by Valent. Until then, I'm Bob Larson.

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