Ca. Nut Growers on India Tariffs and USDA Confirms Torres Small

**India has agreed to drop additional duties on American almonds, walnuts, apples, chickpeas and lentils.

Industry analysts say, India’s repeal of the retaliatory tariffs in a deal with the U.S. last month would provide American exporters improved access to a key market.

California’s Ag Department says India remains a top export destination for California agriculture, including tree nuts, cotton, dairy and processing tomatoes, totaling nearly $1 billion in 2020.

**Welcomed by ag groups and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, the Senate last week confirmed (SO’chill) Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Following the vote, Vilsack said he’s “witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that he knows will leave an impact on USDA for years to come.

Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA.

**The USDA’s Economic Research Service reports wholesale egg prices reached record highs in 2022 after avian flu resulted in significant reductions in egg-laying flocks.

At the height of the disease, weekly egg inventories were 29% lower than at the beginning of the year, and prices reached a high of $5.37 per dozen.

With no new outbreaks reported in 2023, the size of the egg-laying flock has gradually increased.