Tariff This.
from Canada, never the 51st state...
I had a hissy fit the other day in the produce section of my local grocery store, where U.S. fruits and vegetables are artfully displayed year-round.
I yell-asked (so every shopper could hear) the produce manager why fruits and veggies grown here in British Columbia never make it to Safeway (and most all chain food stores in Canada) shelves. “Yes, it’s a shame that we can’t sell local produce, but the store has contracts with U.S. companies that don’t allow us to buy from anyone else,” he said. A few shoppers nearby seemed miffed, shaking their heads and tutting.
Mr. Produce Manager confirmed the lament our farmers have told me: there isn’t enough demand for supply. So small, organic farms don’t have a hope in hell. This led me to the idea that the U.S. should charge Canadians a 25% fruit and vegetable tariff, along with other tariffs that Trump threatens us with. Then, shoppers will be appalled and shocked at the exorbitant prices and demand we buy locally. Oh, wait, I think he just added food to lumber, cars, and pretty much everything we export to the U.S.
Today, I bought birdseed from Wild Birds Unlimited, a U.S. chain. Sunflower seeds have almost doubled in price, and I was about to have another hissy over that when the sales gal said the seeds come from Ukraine, the world’s largest producer. Heck, sell me another bag!
If only we could grow avocadoes…