American Pistachio Growers, and its predecessors, have actively represented the interests of the entire U.S. pistachio industry before federal, state, and international government officials and agencies for over three decades. An experienced, focused, and diligent government relations effort is critical to the U.S. pistachio industry in ensuring that export markets are opened, stay open, and are regulated in a way that promotes the continued consumption of high quality American pistachios. Below is an outline of just a few efforts of APG and its predecessors:

  • Opening Export Markets
    • Reducing and Eliminating Tariffs
      • In 1984, 1988, and 1993, U.S. raw pistachios received immediate zero duty treatment in free trade agreements with Israel, Canada, and Mexico, respectively
      • Raw pistachios received zero duty in 12 other free trade agreements
      • The industry received substantial tariff reductions in the two fastest growing economies in the world, China and India
    • Overcoming Nontariff Barriers to Trade
      • APG works continuously for harmonization of international aflatoxin and pesticide maximum residue level standards and testing
  • Building and Maintaining Effective Coalitions
    • APG is actively involved in coalitions to address trade issues critical to the pistachio industry on matters such as the Mexican trucking dispute and ensuring that Market Access Program funding is maintained, as well as on pivotal issues like farm bill specialty crop programs
  • Fighting Unfair Trade from Iran
    • APG and its predecessors have worked tirelessly to fight unfair trade from Iran.
    • In 1986, the industry proved that Iran subsidized and dumped inshell raw pistachios in the U.S. and obtained a 283% duty on raw Iranian pistachios.
    • In 1986, Iranian exporters attempted to circumvent the duty by shipping roasted pistachios to the U.S. The industry responded by filing another successful countervailing duty, and the Department of Commerce placed a 318% duty on inshell roasted pistachios.
      • The industry successfully defended over 24 reviews of the unfair trade orders.
  • Successfully amended the Sunset Review law to prevent Sunset Reviews during U.S. sanctions periods
  • Participated in key agency regulatory proceedings
    • APG advocates industry positions on vital issues, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act and pistachio marketing order regulations
  • Preparation of Industry Leading Reports
    • APG develops industry-leading reports that are essential for the marketing of pistachios, such as the World Pistachio Trade Report, monthly pesticide reports and the maximum pesticide residue limit report.

APG regards the industry’s past successes as a solid foundation for a continued strong and effective APG government affairs program.