California Pear Farmers Face Crisis Amid Surge of Argentine Imports

California pear farmers are grappling with an existential threat as a significant influx of low-cost pear imports from Argentina continues to saturate the U.S. market, coinciding with the domestic harvest season. Industry leaders are urgently seeking assistance from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to address what they deem a severe challenge to California’s historic pear industry, which has roots dating back to the Gold Rush era.

The Import Crisis

According to Chris Zanobini, executive director of the California Pear Advisory Board, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have surged by 125 percent since 2016. These imports specifically target California’s Bartlett and Bosc pears, arriving just as the domestic harvest kicks off in early July. “Argentina has been flooding the U.S. market just before the start of California’s harvest,” he emphasized.

Even though Argentina accounts for over 90 percent of U.S. pear imports during the winter, as much as 70 percent of Argentine pears now arrive in the U.S. in April and May. This is problematic, as those pears are often months old and stored for long periods, coinciding with California growers preparing to ship their fresh, newly harvested fruit.

The Impact on California Growers

Zanobini stated, “This flood of cheap imports has a devastating impact on California growers.” Retail data reveals that stores tend to feature these affordable Argentine imports over freshly harvested U.S. pears, and regrettably, consumers are not seeing these imported pears discounted. “It’s a losing situation for both farmers and consumers,” he lamented.

James Christie, president of Bryant Christie Inc. (BCI), representing multiple U.S. agricultural sectors, also stressed the critical need for immediate action. “The stakes are high. This will be a challenge, but we are doing everything we can to advocate for California farmers,” he insisted. Christie mentioned that while tariffs may not be sufficient, they are advocating for a quota on Argentine pears or a specific period during which these imports should be restricted from entering the U.S.

Quality Concerns

Compounding the issue, many Argentine pears are counter-seasonal to U.S. production, often stored for up to several months and treated with 1-MCP, an anti-ripening agent that may compromise fruit quality and consumer experience. “California pear shippers have pledged never to use this chemical,” Zanobini noted. “Our fresh pears are forced to compete with old, stored fruit that often can’t ripen properly.”

Consequences for Local Farmers

The downturn in market opportunities is stark. Zanobini recounted a significant lost chance when a major grocery chain canceled a promotion highlighting early California pears due to the oversaturation of Argentine imports. “Our shippers lost both sales and the price premium,” he said.

Challenges for Small Farms

This situation is particularly detrimental to small, multi-generational family farms, known for their commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. “These are exactly the types of farmers U.S. trade policy should protect,” emphasized Zanobini.

He indicated that California pear growers are part of a larger narrative affecting multiple U.S. agricultural sectors, highlighting the struggles of soybean farmers, cattle ranchers, and citrus growers alike. “While the Trump Administration provides Argentina with a $40 billion bailout, we believe there is available room for a fair deal that protects U.S. farmers from being undercut in their own market,” he argued.

The Road Ahead

Christie pointed out the urgency of addressing the situation. “California’s pear industry, while small within the wider agricultural landscape, is crucial,” he stated. “If anything, the fact that these farmers are part of small family operations should elevate the priority of defending their interests.”

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