According to US Representative Bill Huizenga, cherry growers in Michigan and across the US are now in a better place to sell their fruits in an Asian market. Huizenga was among the officials who helped secure the exemption of a 15 percent tariff on US tart cherry juice exports to Taiwan.
On Tuesday, Huizenga said: “When our farmers and growers are able to compete on a level playing field, Michigan families benefit. This announcement is great news for Michigan cherry growers and the agricultural community as a whole.”
The removal of the tax will create more opportunity and provide significantly greater market access for both Michigan cherry growers and processors, according to the congressman’s office.
“Michigan farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality fruits, vegetables and specialty crops in the world,” Huizenga added. “Estimates show that exporting tart cherry juice to Taiwan has the potential to reach over $1 million.”
Such potential will result in increased economic opportunity for growers, processors and families across Michigan, as state that grows 75 percent of the tart cherries grown in the US, according to the Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI), a national research and promotion organization that works on behalf of Michigan, Utah, Wisconsin, and Utah cherry growers.
Source: riponadvance.com
