Moscow, Idaho, June 22, 2023: The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council welcomes the announcement of the removal of the Government of India’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. Pulses. This action will increase the availability of the best quality U.S. pulses to India.
Welcoming the decision, Tim McGreevy, CEO, of USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, said, “We extend our appreciation to President Biden, Ambassador Tai, the United States Trade Representative’s office and the Government of India for the announcement today. U.S. pulse farmers and shippers extend our gratitude to all industry members in India and the U.S. who have steadfastly supported us in our endeavor to return to fair access to this important market for U.S. lentils and chickpeas.
Speaking on the occasion, Aaron Flansburg, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council Chair and a pulse farmer from Palouse, Washington, said, “After nearly six challenging years of trade disruption, we welcome the opportunity to compete fairly in the Indian market. This move will certainly help our farmers grow more pulses, one of the most sustainable crops worldwide. I also want to thank our congressional champions, the Biden Administration, trade representatives, staff, and my fellow growers and processors who have advocated for a return to more equitable trade relations. We look forward to serving the Indian consumers with the best quality pulses.”
By establishing tariffs on a similar level to those imposed on other competing exporters, India has the potential to reclaim its position as a significant market for U.S. green lentils in the upcoming 2023 crop year. Speaking on the announcement, Jeff Rumney, Vice President – Marketing, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, stated, “We are grateful for this decision that will allow the pulse industry to rebuild trade between the two nations. The trade members have long valued the exceptional quality of pulses imported from the U.S. and maintained a strong relationship spanning several decades.”
Sachin Khurana, India Representative, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, added, “This is a moment of celebration both for the Indian pulses trading community and Indian consumers. The decision opens up new possibilities for enjoying high-quality pulses and prioritizing nutrition. We extend our gratitude to our valued partners and the government of India for providing us with this opportunity to revive and fortify the relationship between U.S. suppliers and Indian importers. Together, we look forward to mutual growth.”
About USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council:
The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (USADPLC) was established in 1965 as a non-profit organization to promote and protect the interests of growers, processors, warehousemen and sellers of dry peas, lentils and chickpeas in the United States. The 5,000 growers, processors, exporters and associates represented by the USADPLC take pride in their ability to produce the highest quality dry peas, lentils and chickpeas for national and international markets – earning the “Standard of Quality” seal every day.
