Trump’s Tariffs Put Lee County Agriculture at Risk

Agriculture is the backbone of Lee County, fueling not only the local economy but also shaping our community’s identity. It employs a significant portion of our workforce, supports food security, and helps preserve the county’s rural character. According to the 2024 Southwest Florida Agribusiness Report, agriculture across our region, including Lee County, generates more than $1 billion in "farm-gate" (see explanation top right) sales each year, with ripple effects that extend into retail, construction, tourism, and transportation.

But Trump’s sweeping tariffs threaten this vital sector. With rates as high as 30% on China, 50% on India, 20% on Vietnam, and steep duties on steel, aluminum, and copper, Lee County farmers are feeling the squeeze. Rising costs of steel and aluminum, which are essential for equipment, irrigation, and greenhouse infrastructure, make it harder for growers to modernize and compete.

Retaliatory tariffs from other nations are shrinking export markets for Florida’s top commodities, including greenhouse and nursery products, citrus, and cattle. For Lee County, which plays a role in this diverse output, reduced demand abroad translates into lower revenues and tighter margins at home.

The consequences reach beyond farms. When producers scale back operations, it affects seasonal and full-time agricultural workers, many of whom rely on these jobs to support their families. Local businesses that depend on agriculture, from equipment suppliers to trucking companies, also face declining demand. Meanwhile, higher production costs ultimately drive up prices for consumers, making groceries, landscaping, and construction more expensive for Lee County residents.

Trump’s tariffs may claim to put America first, but here in Lee County, they put agriculture, and our economy, at risk. To safeguard jobs, food security, and our rural heritage, we need fair trade policies that expand opportunity for growers instead of raising barriers.