Tariff Pause or Turning Point? The Economics of Food, Farming, and Opportunity

Big news: President Trump and Mexico just hit pause on their tariff war for 30 days while President Trump, the U.S. Treasury, Commerce, and State Secretaries negotiate a deal. But this isn’t just about fentanyl—it’s about economics. And that means real consequences for jobs, trade, food security, and the future of North American prosperity.

Tariffs Hurt Families, Farmers, and Nonprofits

Trade restrictions don’t just squeeze big business—they drive up costs for nonprofits, food programs, and local farming initiatives that rely on affordable supplies to keep people fed.

At Growing to Give, we’ve seen how fewer bureaucratic roadblocks mean stronger local food security. Just this month, the Phoenix Food Forest Initiative planted fruit trees and edible gardens on verges and parkways—once restricted land—thanks to a City of Phoenix policy change. That’s what happens when governments cut the red tape and empower communities.

A North American Economic Zone: Stability, Growth, and Food Security

This 30-day pause isn’t just a breather—it’s an opportunity to rethink how we strengthen North America as a unified economic zone with the free flow of goods, services, and people.

But let’s be clear—this doesn’t mean erasing national identity. Think of it like the U.S. states—each has its own laws, economy, and social programs but benefits from a shared currency, trade agreements, and economic stability. A North American partnership could work the same way.

? Lower trade barriers = Cheaper food and farm supplies for communities

? More economic opportunity = Stronger local food systems and job creation

? Fewer restrictions = Greater nonprofit impact in food security and farming

? A stable North American market = Room for small farmers and women in agriculture to thrive

? Free movement of goods, services, and people = Stronger economies and food resilience

This isn’t about taking away social programs or forcing a one-size-fits-all system. It’s about creating a smarter economic framework that reduces costs, increases cooperation, and strengthens communities.

Nonprofits and Communities Win When Red Tape is Lifted

Economic stability isn’t just good for business—it empowers nonprofits, stretching resources further and allowing us to maximize impact in food security and sustainable agriculture. The more we cut unnecessary barriers and increase economic cooperation, the more we can grow—literally.

This isn’t just about trade policy—it’s about whether communities, farmers, and organizations like ours have the freedom to build resilient local food systems. The choices made this month could lay the foundation for a more prosperous North America—or just delay the next crisis.

Now’s the time to push for a deal that fuels economic stability, food security, and a thriving nonprofit sector—without unnecessary barriers that hold us back.