California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Economics

  • USDA Accepting Applications for a Trade Mission to Singapore

    The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced it is now accepting applications for its upcoming trade mission to Singapore, scheduled for Dec. 7 to 9.

    FAS Agribusiness Trade Missions directly connect American agribusinesses with overseas buyers, expanding market access and boosting exports for U.S. producers. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand must submit their application via the official online form by 11:59 p.m. EST, Sept. 8, 2026.

    “Expanding our footprint in Southeast Asia is critical as we work to diversify export opportunities and build new, resilient paths for getting safe, high-quality American agricultural products into more markets,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Getting producers face-to-face with buyers cultivates long-term trade relationships in vibrant, rapidly developing markets—ensuring our producers have multiple avenues to meet global demand instead of relying on a single buyer.”

    In 2025, U.S. agricultural product exports to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand reached more than $3 billion in total. This regional total includes $1.3 billion to Thailand and $1 billion to Malaysia. In Singapore, U.S. exports reached $769 million, with consumer-oriented products— such as tree nuts, dairy products, wine and processed foods—making up 65% of that value.

    In addition to brokering business-to-business meetings, FAS staff and regional experts will hold in-depth market briefings and host site visits and networking events to strengthen trade relationships throughout the mission.

    USDA anticipates significant growth opportunities in the region for several product categories, including:

    • Tree nuts
    • Food preparations, such as baking ingredients
    • Seafood
    • Beef
    • Wine and distilled spirits
    • Processed fruits and vegetables
    • Dairy, eggs and egg products
    • Pet food
    • Pulses, such as dry yellow and green split peas

    In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 250 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan and Mexico, generating projected 12‑month sales of $125 million.

    Singapore will be USDA’s final Agribusiness Trade Mission for 2026—a year in which USDA sent delegations to Malaysia, Indonesia, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Philippines, Vietnam, Argentina, and Ecuador. USDA will announce 2027 missions soon.

    For information on these and other trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.

  • Valadao Welcomes Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield

    Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) hosted USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins last Friday at Allied Potato for a roundtable discussion on the challenges facing Central Valley growers, ranchers and producers.

    The event brought together agricultural leaders from across the region to discuss key industry priorities and celebrate the USDA’s finalizing of the Specialty Crops Farmers program. This will provide $1.6 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers to help offset rising input costs and market disruptions — $625 million more than previously announced.

    Prior to the roundtable, Valadao and Rollins toured Allied Potato, where the visited the fields and observed the processing and packaging operations. Attendees included representatives from the California Farm Bureau, Western Growers, Wonderful Citrus, California Dairies Inc., Milk Producer’s Council, California Citrus Mutual, Grimmway Farms, Western Tree Nut Association, Blue Diamond Almonds, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Farmworker Foundation, Family Tree Farms, Monte Vista Farming Company, and Cauzza Growers.

    “Agriculture drives the Central Valley’s economy, and I was honored to welcome USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield for a discussion with local agricultural leaders today,” Valadao said “For years, I’ve worked closely with producers across the Valley to address the challenges they face—rising input costs, workforce shortages, burdensome regulations, and the need for a stronger specialty crop safety net—and this conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. As the sole dairy farmer in Congress, I understand these issues firsthand, which is why I was proud to join the Secretary as she announced USDA finalized $1.6 billion in assistance for specialty crop growers to help offset high costs and market disruptions. I appreciate her engagement with our local leaders, and I look forward to continuing to work with USDA on commonsense policies that support Central Valley agriculture and give producers the certainty they need to plan for the future.”

    “Thank you Congressman Valadao, a leader on the House Commitee on Agriculture, for hosting an incredible roundtable today at Allied Potato here in your beautiful Bakersfield, California. Your extraordinary farmers, ranchers, and dairymen exemplify what it means to feed the country and the world,” Rollins said. “Everyday, the Trump Administration is putting Farmers First. As we announced after the roundtable, we are committed to ensuring the economic strength of our specialty crop operations as  we continue opening  new markets abroad and strengthening demand domestically for American produce. Congressman Valadao was critical to helping pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which is already helping over 63,000 California farms sell more agriculture products than any other state, protecting 2 million family farms from the death tax, increasing reference prices for the first time in more than a decade, and making the largest investment in rural America in history. And we are just getting started.”

  • California Pear Farmers Call on Retailers to Shift from Imports

    California pear growers are optimistic about the upcoming 2026 season, with an early and abundant harvest expected following a warm spring that accelerated bloom across key growing regions.

    “California pears are always the first to harvest in North America and our season is even earlier this year than normal with harvest anticipated in late June and promotable volume available in early July,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board (CPAB).

    “When California comes into the market, they offer consumers the only fresh, locally grown Bartlett pear in the U.S.,” said Zanobini. “California pears are produced by multi-generational family farms who operate under the most stringent regulations in the world to protect people and the environment. We’re looking for support from retailers to kick-start this year’s pear season with early promotions.”

    Zanobini noted that Bartlett pears are the favorite of consumers.  In recent years, Argentina has been exporting increasingly more pears to U.S. retailers in the late Spring.  Since 2016, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have increased by 125 percent, directly competing with California Bartlett pears at the start of their season.

    “Last year was especially challenging, with roughly 70 percent of imports arriving in April and May, creating a backlog of inventory as California began harvesting its first pears of the season, said Zanobini. “We are urging retailers to stop importing pears well before California pear harvest begins in July.

    “Retailers should also understand that Argentine exporters sometimes treat pears with the anti-ripening agent, 1-MCP, at post-harvest to prolong shelf life,” explained Zanobini. “This treatment results in pears that don’t ripen, slowing consumer purchases and reducing retail profitability. So, when buying imported pears – or even those from domestic producers — make sure they are not treated with 1-MCP.”

    California growers are committed to delivering a consistently high-quality product.

    “California pear growers have pledged never to use 1-MCP,” Zanobini said. “Instead, we allow Bartlett pears to ripen naturally, ensuring an optimum eating experience for consumers.”

    To support a successful transition to domestic fruit, CPAB recommends retailers phase out offshore pears by late April or early May. The California pear industry is ready to support retailers with promotion and consumer advertising to bring California Pears to light as a great summer fruit. — By the California Pear Advisory Board

  • USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Vietnam to Expand Market Access for American Farmer

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair, reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers and producers.

    Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg is leading a delegation representing a cross-section of American agriculture that stands to benefit from expanded access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

    “American farmers, ranchers and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed, and that they can bring the benefits of that success to communities here at home.”

    Vietnam has become a top destination for U.S. agricultural products. In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery and forest products exports surged by 45% to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the United States’ eighth-largest market. This mission will build on that momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations under President Trump’s strategy to deliver fair, enforceable trade for American farmers and ranchers.

    During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business meetings, and engage with Vietnamese officials to advance U.S. trade priorities and support U.S. producers. The delegation includes:

    1. California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif.
    2. California Prune Board – Roseville, Calif.
    3. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
    4. USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
    5. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
    6. U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C.
    7. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
    8. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
    9. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
    10. Washington Apple Commission – Wenatchee, Wash.

    This is USDA’s third TRUMP mission of 2026. Later this year, USDA will return to Vietnam with a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — By the USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • USDA Announces $39M Purchase for Pears, Split Peas

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $263 million in agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need.

    This includes $15 million for fresh pears and $24 million for split peas.

    “From milk and dairy to fruits, legumes, and tree nuts, these staples are essential for feeding families and sustaining America’s agricultural economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Through these Section 32 purchases, USDA is delivering wholesome, real food to Americans while injecting critical dollars into local economies. By turning harvests into meals, we are not only stabilizing farm income and protecting rural jobs—we are nourishing our nation and supporting the farmers who feed America. Under President Trump’s leadership, these investments strengthen the food supply, sustain rural communities, and reinforce agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience.”

    Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases

    AMS continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net. USDA AMS will purchase up to $263 million of the following commodities:

    • Butter: $75 million
    • Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Products: $32.5 million
    • Swiss Cheese: $10 million
    • Fresh Fluid Milk: $20.5 million
    • Ultra-High Temperature Milk: $10 million
    • Chickpeas: $12 million
    • Dried Beans (Black and Pinto): $25 million
    • Fresh Pears: $15 million
    • Lentils: $14 million
    • Pecans: $10 million
    • Split Peas: $24 million
    • Walnuts: $15 million

    — By the USDA

  • Remarkable Market Growth Trajectory for U.S. Beef, Fresh Fruit & Tree Nuts in Taiwan

    In 2024, Taiwan was the eighth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, valued at $3.8 billion, 16 percent greater than 5 years ago. The top five U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan are beef and beef products, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits and nuts. In December 2024, an agreement as part of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force. The agreement covers trade facilitation, customs, anticorruption, and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. The agreement has yet to conclude other topics undergoing negotiation, including agriculture. The United States was the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan in 2024, accounting for 25 percent of Taiwan’s import market, followed by Brazil (10 percent) and China (6 percent).

    Macroeconomic Perspective

    Taiwan is a high-income East Asian economy with a real gross domestic product growth of 4.3 percent in 2024, driven by increased investments and a rebound in exports. Retail sales and spending on food services have continued to expand. Easing inflationary pressures, a healthy labor market, high wages, and rising household income will continue to support consumer sentiment and spending in the coming years, including imported foodstuffs.

    Demographics and Market Trends

    Taiwan has a population of 24 million people and a growth rate of 0.03 percent in 2024, with the largest population on the north and west coasts. Taiwan’s urban population is 80 percent of the total, and the major urban areas are New Taipei City, Taipei (the capital), Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. As a wealthy economy, consumers in Taiwan have strong purchasing power and frequently prioritize products with health benefits. E-commerce is growing in popularity as a platform for agricultural and food products. Taiwan is highly advanced in technology and social media, making digital marketing essential for businesses entering the market. Importers in Taiwan value the United States as a trustworthy trade partner.

    Key Opportunities for Expanding U.S. Exports to Taiwan

    Beef and Beef Products
    Beef and beef products are the largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, valued at $709 million in 2024, increasing 29 percent during the past 5 years. Taiwan ranked sixth among U.S. markets for beef and beef product exports in 2024. The United States ships frozen and chilled beef to Taiwan in a variety of cuts, including rib fingers, short plate, chuck roll, shank, and top blade. Additionally, the United States dominates grain-fed beef supplies in Taiwan, a segment of the market that continues to expand. The United States is the largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for 52 percent of the total market share, followed by Australia (19 percent) and Paraguay (13 percent). Taiwan continues to significantly rely on beef imports to fuel growing domestic demand due to limited beef production.

    Soybeans
    Soybeans are the second-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $601 million in 2024. Taiwan was the seventh-largest market for U.S. soybean exports in 2024.The largest soybean supplier to Taiwan is Brazil, accounting for $748 million, followed by the United States and Canada. Taiwan is expected to increase its soybean imports, as it currently relies on imports to meet 98 percent of its demand.

    Corn
    Corn is the third-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $384 million in 2024. U.S. corn volume increased by 92 percent since 2020, becoming more price competitive against other suppliers of corn, leading to a recovery in market share. Brazil is the largest corn supplier to Taiwan at $544 million, followed by the United States and Argentina ($136 million). Brazil’s corn exports to Taiwan declined by 24 percent in 2024, whereas U.S. corn exports to Taiwan increased 52 percent. In 2024, the United States gained market share as it harvested the largest U.S. crop in the fall of 2023.

    Taiwan’s pork industry has recovered from various non-African swine fever diseases that reduced its feed demand. A recovery in feed demand drove recent import growth.

    Wheat
    Wheat is the fourth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $325 million in 2024. Taiwan’s top suppliers are the United States, followed by Australia ($73 million) and Canada ($7 million). The United States has historically been the major wheat supplier to Taiwan, with market share fluctuating between 70 and 90 percent in the last 10 years. Taiwan imports 99 percent of its wheat demand.

    In recent years, per capita wheat consumption increased as Taiwan’s high-income and sophisticated consumers demanded more diverse offerings. Taiwan has a vibrant baking industry, including some high-profile award-winning bakers. In addition to western-style wheat products, Taiwan’s consumers also have access to a diverse range of traditional wheat products, including noodles, buns, and dumplings.

    Fresh Fruits
    In 2024, fresh fruit was the fifth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan at $262 million, a 34-percent increase compared to the 2020 figure. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, followed by New Zealand ($255 million) and Japan ($222 million). The top fresh fruits that the United States exported to Taiwan were fresh apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, and oranges, including both conventional and organic fruits.

    Apples are the top imported fruit in Taiwan, with an import volume of 156,419 metric tons (MT) globally in 2024. The United States regained market share from South Africa and Japan, with U.S. apple exports reaching 63,637 MT, accounting for 41 percent of the market share by volume. This shift is due to moth detections on South African apples in May 2023, which led to an export suspension to Taiwan. South African apple exports were only 7,021 MT in 2024, with the United States filling this supply gap. Although people in Taiwan consume a wide variety of fruits, apples remain an important fruit in daily life.

    Dairy Products
    In 2024, U.S. exports of dairy products to Taiwan were $108 million, declining 11 percent during the past 5 years. This decline was in value. Volume remained steady between 2020 and 2023 but declined from 21,000 MT to 19,000 MT in 2024 due to New Zealand’s competitiveness and lower prices. The top suppliers for dairy products in Taiwan for 2024 were New Zealand (40 percent of imports), the United States (10 percent), and France (9 percent). Due to the westernization of diets and the popularization of healthy eating concepts, the overall dairy market continues to expand. The popularity of drinks like lattes and milk tea in recent years has led to an increase in the demand for liquid milk in many convenience stores and beverage shops on the streets.

    The butter market in Taiwan will continue to show stable import demand, as local production of butter is only a few tons and cannot significantly meet the overall market demand. New Zealand, France, and Australia were the top butter suppliers to Taiwan in 2024, at $93 million, $28 million, and $9 million, respectively. The United States is the seventh-largest supplier at $4.9 million in 2024.

    Tree Nuts
    U.S. tree nut exports to Taiwan reached $85 million, up 27 percent from 2020. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, with a market share of 39 percent, followed by Vietnam (31 percent) and China (14 percent). Almonds and walnuts are the most prevalent tree nuts in Taiwan, together accounting for more than half of total global imports. U.S. almond exports to Taiwan were $30 million, and U.S. walnut exports were $21 million in 2024. In addition, pistachios are a fast-growing category, and the United States is the prominent supplier of pistachios to Taiwan at $21 million in 2024. The United States is the only supplier of pecans, with exports of $5 million in 2024. Food manufacturers have successfully promoted and positioned tree nuts as a healthy snack, in which 60 percent of the imported tree nuts are mostly used for snack processing, while 40 percent are utilized in bakeries to enhance texture, flavor, and decoration.

    Trade Policy

    In December 2024, the first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force, but additional negotiations from the initiative on other topics, including agriculture, have not concluded. This agreement was signed on June 1, 2023, by representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and includes commitments on anticorruption, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, customs administration and trade facilitation, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. The first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade is available on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s website.

    Conclusion

    Taiwan is a high-income economy with a large population and a major market for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. agricultural and related products such as beef, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits, seafood, dairy products, tree nuts, and pork have a good opportunity to expand exports to Taiwan. Importers in Taiwan see the United States as a reliable business partner, with quality products, competitive prices, and transparent business practices.

  • California Avocado Commission Utilizes State Market Analysis Report to Optimize Marketing Strategies

    California Avocado Commission — In April, the California Avocado Commission reviewed data from the California Avocado Market AnalysisReport that provides a comprehensive overview of the 2024 season and broader category insights. The report, which utilizes Circana retail sales and household panel data pulled from the National Consumer Panel, offers critical information concerning short- and long-term analyses of shipment volumes, FOB prices, retail pricing and sales trends. Ultimately, the report demonstrates how California avocados compare to imports and highlights the effectiveness of CAC’s promotional efforts in a competitive market. Key findings of the report are summarized below.

    According to the report, the 2024 California avocado crop — which reached 363.6 million pounds — was the largest of the last four years, up 56% from 2023.  The 2024 season had a staggering impact on retail category incremental growth in the California region versus the previous season — with 2024 avocado sales driving 77% of incremental dollars and 54% of incremental units.

    Further, data indicates California avocados have maintained a premium price over imports across the last four years. During the 2024 California season, within the California region, California avocados averaged a +10% price advantage over imports with a 26% advantage near the close of the season. Likewise, outside of California FOB prices were +10% over imports and reached a high of 33% at the end of the 2024 season.

    During the 2024 season FOB price growth also outpaced retail and import prices — increasing at a faster rate — within the California region. This is part of a long-term trend with the compound annual growth rate of California avocado FOB prices in California at +6% since 2013, versus just 3% for retail pricing and 4% for imports.

    The report was shared with CAC staff in April to provide data-backed evidence showing how marketing programs are working and support the Commission’s efforts to build demand and preference for the California Avocados brand. Further, the report will be shared with agency, industry and retail partners to provide them with a deeper understanding of category trends that will allow them to refine marketing strategies and optimize promotions that build sales of California avocados. These insights can be used to develop trade communications, marketing strategies and retail materials.  Notes Terry Splane, CAC Vice President of Marketing, “Sales data and research create the foundation for effective marketing. The California Avocado Market Analysis Report is packed with actionable insights that demonstrate the strength of the California season, help us enhance our marketing programs, and ultimately show the value of California avocados to our retail partners.”

  • Economist Shares How California Farmers Should Respond to Economic Uncertainty

    Economic uncertainty can be quite unsettling and can make important business and investment decisions difficult to navigate. Inflating costs, threatening tariffs and a volatile stock market are very concerning, especially in a state like California. World-renowned economist and financial expert Marci Rossell met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network following a presentation she delivered to a group of American Pistachio Growers to address these concerns as they relate specifically to California farmers, whose success rely quite heavily on a healthy export market. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Could Farmers Get a Tax Credit for Paying Employees Overtime?

    Could farmers in California get a tax credit for paying their employees to work overtime?  Other states have already implemented this to alleviate the pressures of inflating wage costs burdening ag employers. Watch this brief interview as Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joins Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share how CAWG is working with the California Farm Bureau and Senator Shannon Grove through SB628 to support California ag employers and make this happen.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.

  • Watermelon Growers Face Challenges When Expanding Their Season

    Watermelon is a favorite summertime treat for consumers. Naturally anticipating those summer picnics and BBQs, consumers may want to enjoy this sweet treat earlier or even later in the year, outside of California’s traditional harvest window. Determined to meet consumer demand with an innovative spirit, California growers are planting watermelons earlier than ever before and expanding their seasons late into the fall as well. This does not come without consequence though, and growers faced some particular challenges during their extended 2024 season that they won’t soon forget. Watch this brief interview as Zheng Wang, UCCE Vegetable Crop Advisor — specializing in Central Valley melon crops, discusses these challenges with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.