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CONGRESSMAN BISHOP WELCOMES WIN FOR THE PECAN INDUSTRY

February 2, 2015

CHINA IMPORT TARIFF LOWERED FROM 24% TO 10% ON PECANS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Peanut Caucus, welcomed a recent win for the U.S. pecan industry. China recently announced that they have lowered the import tariff on in-shell and shelled pecans from 24% to 10%. Last summer, Congressman Bishop hosted representatives from the China Nut Roasters Association in Georgia to discuss issues surrounding trade in pecans.

"We are proud of our pecans here in Georgia and I am happy to be able to welcome this win for our state's industry," said Congressman Bishop. "With lower import tariff rates, the boost of trade to China will bring jobs and revenue right back home to Middle and Southwest Georgia. This is a win everyone can celebrate!"

"It is a pleasure to work with the members of Congress on trade agreements that will benefit not only the consumer here in the United States but also consumers in China as well. We especially appreciate Congressman Sanford Bishop's support he has given the U.S. pecan industry," said Hilton Segler, Executive Director of the National Pecan Growers Council.

"This reduction in the tariff is a direct result of multi-state and multi-grower efforts over the last few years to improve our pecan presence in China. We will continue to work with Congressman Bishop as he has an ongoing dialogue with USTR regarding pecan tariff issues." said Brad Ellis, President of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association.

"The reduction in the Chinese pecan tariff from 24% to 10% is going to put pecans in a very competitive place, and will have a significant positive impact on the value of pecans in the United States," said Jay Glover, President of the National Pecan Growers Council.

"It is estimated that Georgia annually exports over 75% of their total production to China, with a gross value of production estimated at over $150 million. The Georgia Pecan Growers would like to thank Congressman Bishop for his recent hosting of representatives from the China Nut Roasters Association that played a significant role in recommending the recent tariff reduction," said Randy Hudson, local Georgia pecan grower.

Commercially produced in 14 states, pecans are the only native tree nut grown in the United States. Approximately 80% of the world's pecan production is located in the United States. The U.S. pecan crop totaled 302.8 million pounds in 2012, a 12% increase from 2011. Georgia's Second Congressional District is the largest pecan producing Congressional District in the nation, with production for all pecans (improved varieties and native and seedling) reaching 100 million pounds in 2012.

For more information on the announcement, please click here.