The CWC is actively involved in advocacy issues impacting public policy, pending regulation, walnut market growth and expansion. The CWB is taking actions to be more engaged than ever before with industry stakeholders and is working to better understand the issues you are facing on the farm.
The CWB/CWC Industry Conference 2021 included a session on “Advocating for Your Future Success – Trade in 2021 & Beyond.” The session featured Darci Vetter, current Global Lead, Public Affairs & Vice Chair, Agriculture with Edelman, former Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the United States Trade Representative and Charles (Chuck) F. Conner, current President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), former Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where they shared their perspectives on the trade outlook in 2021 and beyond.
During the session, Conner discussed some ways in which climate policy will impact future trade opportunities including future and existing trade agreements, an increase in international retail and consumer pressure and U.S. political pressure. Conner also shared that the Food & Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) has brought together a cross-section of agriculture, forestry, food and environmental groups. He noted that FACA’s goal is to help guide policy to be responsive to the unique needs of agriculture and rural communities, noting the overarching goal in developing recommendations is to increase farm income.
Vetter discussed how the World Trade Organization (WTO) has a specific court that handles and helps address trade issues and provides clear guidelines and necessary rules for the industry. Regarding trade in India, Vetter noted that India is not quite ready to open their market, but they are making incremental progress and there are opportunities to partner with importers. To help move the ball with India, Vetter suggested that growers continue to monitor India’s policy on steel and aluminum tariffs to see if there is any flexibility.
The session concluded with an overview of CWC engagement and perspective from Issues Management Committee Chair Bill Carriere, Carriere Family Farms and CWC CEO Michelle Connelly. Carriere noted that the CWC continues to proactively protect the industry’s right to produce and compete around USDA federal grant programs, government purchase programs, farm bills, appropriations and state regulations. The CWC also works to mitigate tariff and non-tariff trade barriers as well as advocate around market access and trade policy. At the end of the session, Carriere reiterated that the CWC serves as an industry advocate for the community and encouraged growers/listeners to engage with the CWC to make sure their voices are heard.
