International trade: ripe olives.
The impact of AJR 13 on state laws will primarily be felt within the agricultural sector, specifically benefiting California olive growers and processors. As the Spanish olive industry has increasingly displaced American products due to economic advantages from subsidies, local producers have witnessed a significant contraction in their market presence. The resolution highlights that such market conditions have already resulted in closures and contract cancellations within California's olive processing sector, which is a vital part of the state's agricultural economy.
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 13 (AJR 13), introduced by Assembly Member Mathis on March 27, 2019, addresses the concerns of the California ripe olive industry in light of international trade competition. The resolution urges the Congress of the United States to rectify a loophole in current trade regulations that provides an unjust advantage to the Spanish ripe olive industry over American producers. This loophole allows for the import of raw olives into the U.S. without tariffs intended to mitigate the impact of heavy European subsidies on Spanish olives.
In summary, AJR 13 seeks to safeguard California's ripe olive industry from what its supporters describe as unfair competition from subsidized foreign imports. By urging legislative action at the federal level, the resolution aims to bolster the local economy and preserve agricultural jobs, highlighting the struggles faced by American growers in a competitive global market.
One of the main points of contention surrounding AJR 13 is the balance between free trade and protecting local industries. Proponents of the resolution support its call to close the trade loophole, arguing that it is essential for safeguarding American agricultural jobs and ensuring fair market competition. On the other hand, critics may view such a move as a form of protectionism that could lead to retaliation from international trade partners and could potentially exacerbate trade tensions.