Farm advocates, industry team to push for trade solutionsFarm advocates, industry team to push for trade solutions

A lush courtyard at LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in the Lodi area set the scene recently for what has become a concerted full-court press by farmers' advocates and industry representatives to urge a quick solution to the U.S.' trade dispute with China.

The news conference on April 26 featured California Department of Food and Agriculture secretary Karen Ross, California Farm Bureau Federation president Jamie Johansson and several growers and industry representatives, all of whom shared their concerns about the effects the newly imposed Chinese tariffs are already having on the state's agriculture.

The event was cosponsored by Farmers for Free Trade, a new organization headed by former U.S. Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

After making their presentations, participants signed a banner that will be given to officials in Washington, D.C.