VIRGINIA APPLE GROWERS RECEIVE ANTITRUST EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN EXPORTS

VIRGINIA APPLE GROWERS RECEIVE ANTITRUST EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN EXPORTS    The Virginia Apple Growers Association has received an exemption from the Commerce Department to coordinate certain export activities.
   The growers association applied for U.S. antitrust protection so that its member firms can share the costs and risks of exporting, and avoid rivalry in export markets. The members of the growers association include Bowman Fruit Sales of Timberville, Crown Orchard Co. in Batesville, Flippin-Seaman of Tyro, and Fred L. Glaize in Winchester.
   Each Export Trade Certificate of Review is reviewed by Commerce’s Office of Export Trading Co. and the Justice Department.
   Under the Export Trade Certificate, the Virginia Apples Growers Association and its members can jointly negotiate and enter into agreements with foreign buyers regarding export prices, quantities, and terms and conditions of sales, and they can jointly negotiate with export service providers for favorable rates and discounts.
   “This type of coordination among the participants can reduce their export unit costs and enhance their competitiveness in export markets,” Commerce said.