Kern County agriculture businesses are encouraging President Trump to get rid of his tariffs, which they say are hurting their bottom lines.

Many at Thursday’s Farmers for Free Trade roundtable in Bakersfield are worried that other countries are getting a permanent foothold in large markets like China, while others are concerned they can’t afford the rising costs. Harmeet Dhindsa with Infinity 8 International Trade says exports to China, their largest market, have dropped as much as 99%.

Attendees want tariffs lowered to 15%, but believe we’ll get better deals soon with Canada and Mexico.

Kelli Pierce