The National Pecan Federation made a trip to Capitol Hill to talk with US Senators about the significantly high tariffs on pecans entering India, with hopes of getting a reduction in tariffs, comparable to other nuts. 

Three weeks ago in September pecan growers, members of the National Pecan Federation, from around the US joined together in Washington to discuss issues facing the American Pecan industry. The purpose of the trip was to discuss possible ways to reduce tariffs on pecans entering India. India is currently the world’s 6th largest economy, but even more important is the size and growth of the middle class (pecans target market). According to The McKinsey Global Institute, the middle class population in India is expected to soar from 50 million in 2005, to more than 250 million in 2015: and on to 583 million by 2025 making up 41% of the population in India. This will present an enormous potential growth market for pecans over the coming years.

The National Pecan federation is led by the Esteemed Redding Firm based in Washington DC, hired by the National Pecan Federation to lead efforts on Capitol Hill. The National Pecan Federation led by Mr. Robert Redding, held meetings with the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative and a myriad of United States Senators. U.S. Senator David Perdue led the effort to send a Senate letter to the USTR, asking for assistance and consideration of lowering tariffs on pecans entering India.