The agricultural industry looks to be applauding the return of a Donald Trump presidency to the White House. "I think a Trump administration will work to roll back burdensome and unnecessary regulation that has been forced on the agricultural sector," says Tony Wisdom of Skagit Valley Farm, LLC in Burlington, Washington. "Of critical importance for the ag industry is lowering the death tax as it were. Passing on land and business from one generation to another is a part of the American Dream and to tax that process is foolish."
Wisdom is also hoping for an increased focus on health under a new presidency. "I think Robert F. Kennedy will be a part of the Trump administration and will work to bring a focus on health back into the spotlight," he says. "Particularly with early childhood development and banning chemicals that are bad for our bodies. Europe is way ahead of us on this front and we need to get with the program."
Expectations around consumers
In Boca Raton, Florida, Bob Wilhelm of Bova Fresh says that consumer confidence will surge post-election as seen in Wednesday's markets. "I don't expect much change to our business model regarding tariffs but I would like to see some thoughtful discussions regarding immigration. Our farms do not operate without our farm workers and we really need to figure this out," he says.
Former President Donald Trump won the presidential election in the early hours of Wednesday morning over Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Immigration also comes to mind for Gary Clevenger of Freska in Oxnard, California, who says under President Donald Trump, there will be a more common sense of governing with immigration policies being revamped to allow a legal way into the U.S. "Not the open border mess we have experienced," he says. "We will also go back to energy independence, reducing foreign dependence on oil. All of these will contribute to stability, security, and economic growth not only for our business but all sectors of the economy."
The economy also comes to mind for Lance Peterson of Super Starr International in Pharr. "The results of the elections should be good for the produce industry. There has been a bit of uncertainty in the markets lately and we feel that it was due to the coming elections," he says. "Now that they are past us, it's time to work together and put politics aside and do what we know how to do best–provide top quality produce."
Watching tariffs closely
What about tariffs? "Concerns about tariffs being put in place are always a concern but many times they are just threats. It's not in the best interests of anyone that tariffs be used," Peterson adds.
"I think that most of the produce industry is or will be happy with the results," says Ken Gad of Cambridge Farms, Inc. in South Easton, Massachusetts. "There is a slight concern over the import tariffs and how they may affect produce coming into the country and if there will be retaliatory tariffs on exports. That remains to be seen if the tariffs will affect product and when over the next four years."
For more information:
Tony Wisdom
Skagit Valley Farms and Valley Pride Sales
[email protected]
Robert Wilhelm
Bova Fresh
[email protected]
Gary Clevenger
Freska Produce
www.freskaproduce.com
Lance Peterson
Super Starr International
www.superstarrinternational.com
Ken Gad
Cambridge Farms Inc.
[email protected]