The International Fresh Produce Association Australia and
New Zealand (IFPA ANZ), in collaboration with the
International Fresh Produce Association, is urging the Trump
Administration to exempt fresh produce from its new round of
import tariffs. The IFPA ANZ warns the proposed measures
risk disrupting year-round access to healthy, affordable
fresh produce for US consumers and harming Australia and New
Zealand’s export market.
Currently in the United
States, IFPA Managing Director ANZ Belinda Wilson is working
alongside global IFPA colleagues to advocate for an
exemption and to support a coordinated response on behalf of
the Australian and New Zealand industry.
“This is a
pivotal moment for the fresh produce industry,” Ms Wilson
said.
“Tariffs on Australian and New
Zealand fresh produce would restrict trade, limit access and
increase food costs at a time when global food security is
already under pressure.
A formal letter
from IFPA was submitted last week to US Secretary of
Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke
Rollins and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. It urged
the Administration to exempt fresh produce and floral
products, citing their perishable nature, contribution to
public health, and the shared value of seasonal trade
partnerships.
The IFPA Global Board met with White
House officials on March 20, where trade, tariffs and food
security were key issues under discussion, reinforcing the
importance of continued international
collaboration.
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Ms Wilson will meet with US
stakeholders and Australian Embassy officials on April 8 to
continue discussions and assess next steps in response to
the tariff decision.
Turning advocacy into action:
IFPA Summit to lead strategic response
The
implications of the new tariffs and the need for coordinated
advocacy will be central themes at the IFPA ANZ Leadership
Summit 2025 – Sydney: The Future of Fresh on April
29.
In the session “Leading the Future: Advocacy and
Action for the Fresh Produce Industry”, Ms Wilson will be
joined by a representative from the Australian Fresh Produce
Alliance to discuss how the industry can respond with unity,
influence public policy, and chart a proactive path forward,
particularly in the lead-up to the Australian federal
election on May 3.
“The tariff decision underscores
the need for a united, strategic voice,” Ms Wilson
said.
“The Summit is where we come together to shape
our response and ensure our sector is prepared for what
comes
next.”
