Tariff Troubles: When "Protecting" US Farmers Hurts Them

Tariffs are supposed to protect. That’s the idea, right? Put a tax on foreign goods, make local products more competitive, and help US farmers thrive. But here’s the twist: when we place tariffs on countries that buy from us, especially our allies, we’re not protecting our farmers—we’re setting them up to lose.

The Export Reality

US agriculture depends on exports. California alone sends billions of dollars worth of produce around the world—grapes, almonds, citrus, dairy, you name it. Our biggest customers? Countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the EU. These aren’t our rivals—they’re our partners.

When tariffs hit these buyers, they don’t just shrug and pay more. They find other sources. That’s lost business for farmers in Napa, the Central Valley, the Midwest, and beyond.

California’s Frontline

Let’s get specific. Here in California, we grow a huge variety of food, but our grapes and almonds are major exports. If buyers overseas stop purchasing because of tariffs, where does that leave our farmers? With unsold crops, lower prices, and rising debt.

And it’s not just the farmers. Everyone along the food supply chain—packers, truckers, port workers—feels the pressure. Tariffs ripple through the economy like a stone in water.

The Consumer Cost

Think you’re safe at home? Think again. When exports dry up, farmers have to sell more locally. That can drive prices up at your grocery store. At the same time, if there’s a trade war, imported items like coffee, cheese, and chocolate get more expensive too. Less choice, higher costs—for everyone.

Why the Tariff Obsession?

Tariffs sound tough, and they make headlines. But using them on allies damages long-standing relationships. It’s a short-term move with long-term consequences. Our farmers want fair access to global markets—not barriers that block their best customers.

A Smarter Path

Here’s what we should be doing instead:

• Invest in local and sustainable farming. Help farmers grow smarter and diversify.

• Strengthen global partnerships. Focus on trade deals that benefit both sides.

• Support infrastructure and innovation. Make it easier and cheaper for farmers to get their goods to market.

Call to Action:

Tariffs on our allies don’t protect US farmers—they put them at risk.

Buy local whenever you can and support farmers' markets and small local producers.

Speak out against harmful tariff policies. Let your representatives know that protecting farmers means creating fair trade, not punishing partners.

Share this message to raise awareness. The more people know, the more we can change the conversation.

Let’s protect our farmers the right way—by opening doors, not closing them.