Announcement: Our Response to Proposed Tariffs on Mexican Imports

Our government recently decided to threaten a 5% tariff on imports from Mexico, with the fees escalating up to 25%. 5% doesn’t sound like much but you have to realize the beans are a food crop. They’ve been growing for 6-9 months, followed by cleaning and packaging and they’ve been planned long before that. It’s taken us years to develop these relationships and these actions have taken their toll. 

Speaking for myself, I do believe in comprehensive immigration reform. Nobody is advocating for a porous border. Reform would include international laws, trade, the US role in foreign governments and humanitarian causes. It won’t be simple but it needs to be done in a pragmatic, non-emotional manner. 

Immigrants and refugees are not coming to the United States for the cable service. They are fleeing the most desperate situations imaginable, often created with our help by meddling in their governments, along with the American appetite for drug consumption. I would argue that their problems are our problems. Because of our role throughout the Americas and because we are neighbors. 

With Burkhard Bilger from The New Yorker, meeting some of the farmers we work with, in Hidalgo, as part of the Rancho Gordo-Xoxoc Project. These hardworking entrepreneurs are the ones who will suffer if a tariff is imposed.

In response to this, we’re considering the threatened tariff and adding a 5% charge to all of our Mexican imports and donating this money, 100%, to No More Deaths, a non-profit that provides humanitarian aid to migrants and refugees, focusing on the deadly Arizona border. In addition to water and medical aid, they also help with legal issues and search-and-rescue situations. That a group like this even needs to exist is repugnant, but thank goodness they do.

Someone suggested we grow our beans in the US instead of Mexico. We do. Maybe we haven’t told the story as well as we should have. We produce about 85% domestically. The imports from Mexico are to encourage the farmers in Mexico to grow their heritage beans. This isn’t about us trying to save money by producing in Mexico. We have also been told that it’s not immigration that is offensive, it’s illegal immigration. It’s not illegal to seek asylum. I also anticipate the “stick to beans and leave politics out of it” responses but sadly, these recent actions have made this personal, for my friends and for my business. My preference would be to not argue about whether we should be treating our neighbors with humanity.

We challenge our legislators and president to work together to enact immigration reform in Congress and then enforce it on the border. Diplomacy and policy through tantrums is not the answer.


N.B. The comments on this post are overwhelming and that’s good. For the record, I’ve allowed opposing views to post and often I’ve rebutted them. If the responses get silly, as they have, I’m not bothering to share them. If they get personal, are racist, the same argument, etc. I’m not approving them.

Not so much here, but from our helpline, I’ve had some really good conversations. In the end, most of us want to be fair. That’s a great place to start. Responding with anger rarely helps. My technique has been to try and diffuse those conversations but at one point it can become clear that it’s time to cut your losses and move on. Once in a while, you have a real moment and that’s encouraging.

Published by

Steve Sando

I dig beans.

264 thoughts on “Announcement: Our Response to Proposed Tariffs on Mexican Imports”

  1. Thank you for being a responsible, socially conscious business. Yet another reason I am a loyal customer.

        1. Your beans are excellent and so is your giving back program. I’m fairly new to your products, and will continue to support you.
          Diana Ivey

      1. I will happily pay the extra 5%. I buy from you not for a bargain but because of everything you are as a company

    1. Thank you so much..for caring enough to be donating to something that will be a valuable aid to many. For me and mine..no problem with an upcharge….

        1. Ditto to Cindy. Not only am I proud to be your customer, I am proud to present those beans at my table. My beautiful beans express the love and affection I have for my friends and family. Thanks, Steve.

    2. Thank you very much for taking this action. I support it completely. I’m a member of an Episcopal parish I’m SoCal that is supporting churches & other organizations in San Bernardino where ICE is dumping bus loads of immigrants who had been detained @ the boarder with no federal assistance to the community.

      1. So, Steve. Do you use a desiccant on your bean crops? Do the Mexican farmers you contract with use a desiccant?

        If so, WHAT desiccant do you use?

        So, let’s look at some facts. Foreign aid.

        Mexico: $78.91 MILLION for 2020, $2.45 million of which is for various types of planting (farmers, landscapers, etc.). $2 mill for sustainable lands. Over $2 mil for Save the Children. Shall I go on?

        AND, another $10.8 BILLION for Southern Mexico and Central America.

        I just love how folks ignore the money the U.S. sends south of the border.

        I just love how folks think that someone just clicked their ruby red slippers and those caravans of folks wear NEW clothes, carrying NEW backpacks, pushing NEW strollers just suddenly all got a brain fart at the same time and headed for a NON-port of entry.

        Y’all need to do your homework on NGOs/501(c)3s that go south and make elaborate promises and work folks up, provide those NEW things and tell them the roads are paved in gold in the U.S.

        1. You’ve just presented half the story.
          I’m sorry but you’re wrong about almost everything.
          And as a good host, I’m going to leave your post up.

          1. Steve, please share the missing half of the story that you say Lynda ignored. I agree she left out much. But you and Lynda and I apparently can agree that something needs to be done. And bringing the Mexican government to the negotiating table never worked for the 30 years I lived on the Arizona border. I say factories open in Mexico, but more drugs crossing. I saw foreign aid increase, yet more drugs and illegals cross. The issue of drugs and illegal entrants has never been addressed. The Democrat party here and the Mexican government seemed to care little about this issue in the past. New voters for the Democrat party, dumping of their failures for the Mexican government. And yes, the Republican Party didn’t object: cheap labor! Those days are finally behind us. The Mexican government seems to be working hard to do what they can, doing more on this issue than the Democrat party here. Are you content with the deaths of the illegal crossers? With the US citizens that die from illegal drugs, criminals entering the US and committing crimes? Are you content with the Pakistanis, Africans, Iranians, Syrians, et al that cross and disappear within our borders? I am sure you are NOT, like me, like Lynda: I believe we share a common humanity, we want to see the suffering to our south end. But a porous border with the US is not the answer to suffering in the Mexico and Latin America. Do you want American intervention and government change imposed by the US throughout our southern neighbors? Of course you don’t. Maybe those suffering (and we know they are suffering) should stay and vote, fight – whatever it takes to end the corruption of their governments.

            I don’t pretend to have the answer, clearly you, and Lynda don’t have the answer, but we all have ideas and opinions and dreams for what can be done. But this 5% “tariff” from your wonderful business is not a solution. I am not one to respond to every call for a “boycott” – this is, in my opinion, a childish tool used predominately by the progressives (as they seem to want to be called). Will I demand a boycott?No. Will I continue to buy your great beans (and no, I buy under another email address)? I rather doubt it: when I give to charitable groups (and I do) I pick those that I support and give quietly and from the heart. I am offended that you would impose where my giving is directed. I hope you reconsider. Will you miss my business? Likely no, small purchases over the last couple of years, you won’t feel it in the pocketbook. Will I miss the beans? You bet, but I wouldn’t enjoy the beans as much knowing that you decided I needed to donate my money to groups that you support. Politics and business don’t mix, just like religion and politics, race and politics ………

          2. I’m sorry but I’m in short temper this morning.

            Have you written Chick-fil-a or the Koch Brothers to tell them that politics and business don’t mix? Or is it just politics you don’t agree with.

            I live in a border state. We are creating opportunities in Mexico to help the very people you don’t want here. And I think humanitarian aid like giving water to the dying shouldn’t be controversial.

            You don’t agree and we’re probably not a good fit.

          3. Irene,
            I’ll just buy more beans to make up for the loss. As to Steve’s point. It is your right to boycott, just as it’s my right to boycott Chick-fil-a and Hobby Lobby. Remember they are the ones who sued the government so they wouldn’t have to provide birth control to their female employees. They do supply their male employees with Viagra though.

          4. I grew up in San Diego. The razor wire at the border bothered me. When I was 5, I asked my Mom about it. “Is it to keep Mexicans out” I asked. She replied, “Maybe it’s to keep us in.”
            There are many ways to look at that razor wire.
            But, Humanity and Friendship have no borders.
            This is not a political crisis. It is a moral crisis. Change starts with each individual.
            I love Rancho Gordo products and applaud you for taking a step to help our fellow humans.

          5. Somehow, I missed the connection between Lynda’s desiccant questions and the following paragraph starting with “So, let’s look at some facts. Foreign aid”.

            Uhhh… huh?….

            ps: As another lifelong border state (sometimes right ON the border), I support this new Rancho Gordo initiative 100%. And, as someone who’s donated boxes of old shoes and old clothes to be given to the people seeking asylum, I have no idea where Lynda’s “ruby slippers” paragraph comes from.

    3. Joined the bean club in 2019, and I’m glad to pay a little more to donate to this cause. Thank you for your efforts to help mitigate this terrible situation. Proud to be your customer.

    4. Your response to the threatened tariff is heartwarming. It will take many more people like you to revive decency and civility to the national agenda. Keep up the good work and love your beans!

    5. Thank you for doing this. It may be a small endeavor but it’s good to know I’m contributing.

  2. Thank you for taking a stand and for donating to a group that has boots on the ground on the border. This is a terrible situation and I am so glad to know that you care and have thought about one way to try to address it.

  3. Thank you very much. You may also, if you are able, give them my bean club beans rather than send them to me, as long as this horror continues. Thank you again for thinking of these tortured people.

    Mary

    1. Mary, you have a kind heart & soul. Your contribution may not be much, but every little bit helps.

      People like you are a blessing in this world.

  4. Maybe it’s because I have my period, maybe it’s because I’m gassy from all the Domingo Rojo’s I’ve been eating, but your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for what you’re doing, and keep doing it no matter what anyone says.

  5. I gladly support you in your effort to contribute to humanitarian aid which is so desperately needed in this crisis. Thank you for your courage and leadership.

  6. Bravo to you. I’m gonna buy some of your beans from Mexico and go make a donation to No More Deaths. I’m sick of all the meanness.

    1. I was thinking to do the same,keep my membership and make a direct donation to No More Deaths. Heard a great Storycorps segment ,two women discussing No More Deaths.
      Made me cry.

  7. In total agreement with you and happy to pay the 5% for “No more deaths”. We are neighbors, we are humans. I am heart broken at how we forget that. Thank you for reminding us. And thank you for such amazing beans!

        1. Oh my goodness Steve! My words are going to fall flat. They can not possibly express how grateful I am. I have loved your beans for years. I even order them, especially pintos, pinquitos and Rio Zape to send them to my sister in Paris, France. She loves everything Mexican and can’t get anything like your beans in Paris. But now after reading this post I am so in love with you I feel honored to have access to your beans, (unlike my sister). Thank you for all you do. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being. I am 100% on board and feel lucky to be.

      1. No it wouldn’t. I live in Texas and all the wall does is take people’s land away (who have lived there for generations), destroy the habitat, keep the rancher’s away from water they depend on for their livestock, destroy businesses such as the river rafting companies, create a giant eyesore. The wall does not stop the traffic. They go around, over, or under. The surveillance could be done just as easily electronically. Besides, most of the drugs, etc come in through legal ports of entry. The only way to control it is through comprehensive immigration reform and more judges on the asylum issue.

  8. Good for you! We will happily pay that 5%. We are bean club members. Why not add that to the yearly subscription rate as well.
    It is shocking and shameful what our government is going to our country.
    I am ashamed.

  9. Good to hear. I was introduced to No More Deaths as part of a work study trip to Nogales with BorderLinks.

  10. I continue to be beyond impressed with your company and will have no problem paying an additional charge- especially for something as critical as this. I’ve been in the AZ desert in the summer, and definitely know that anyone coming through it is not doing it as a tourist… but to escape unbelievable poverty and/or horrors.

  11. Bravo! Amazing…love you for this and another reason why I’m a loyal customer. Thank you for taking this step.

  12. This is one of the many reasons I choose to purchase from small, independent, conscientious companies whenever I can. Thanks, Steve, and all the Rancho Gordo team.

  13. Why are you implementing the extra charge now when the tariffs haven’t happened yet? Will this surcharge be added to only the beans grown in Mexico or across the board?

    1. The threat is constant and the damage is done. Do we come from a place of strength when we go back to negotiate contracts in Mexico next year? Trust? The 5% creates awareness and helps a humanitarian aid group get water to the most vulnerable.
      As I wrote, this is only on imports for Mexican products.

  14. THANK YOU!!! As an immigration attorney in the chicago area who represents mostly mexican and central american immigrants, the past couple of years have been quite challenging. Enforcing the immigration laws and looking for solutions is one thing. This administration, however, only terrorizes communities without any real solutions. In other words, fear and cruelty is not an effective immigration policy.

    I applaud Rancho Gordo for taking the initiative despite any blowback you may get (I’m used to it and even have feared for my safety at times). I only buy my beans from Rancho Gordo, have a RG wall in my kitchen of your beautiful postcards/posters I get with each shipment, and just can’t get enough. This recent blog post only confirms what I’ve always known — YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

    1. And thank you for the work you’re doing. Previous admins were no picnic but this is taking cruelty to a new level. It can’t be easy.
      You have to wonder, how many white Europeans who overstayed their visas illegally are in these detention centers? I think I know the answer.

      1. Over-staying a visa gets you quickly deported, not temporarily sent to a detention center. Asylum seekers are required have their case reviewed by an immigration judge. As a result, most are processed and released into the US to await their hearing. Ninety percent never show up for the hearing…. years later. Helping to save lives in the Sonoran desert is very important and is to be supported by all caring people.

    2. Well said Shirley. Any relation to Sonia? Thank you for your words. It is nice to hear from someone in the legal trenches. Be safe.

  15. I totally support this. Thank you Steve for standing up for human rights and humanitarian assistance. Just another reason I’ve been a devoted customer of yours for many years.

  16. Having spent the past three winters in Ajo AZ, just 40 miles north of the US/Mexico border, I am familiar with No More Deaths and other groups and individuals doing this vital humanitarian work. Thank you for recognizing and supporting their mission.

  17. I commend you on your response above and your views on immigration and the plight of people who are seeking asylum. I agree wholeheartedly and, clearly, “…policy through tantrums is not the answer.”

    Ignore any naysayers and keep up the good work. We need more people like you!

  18. Thank you for doing this and showing your support for humanitarian causes. This is really important and I’m very proud to be your customer.

  19. Thank you for your proactive response! I lived in AZ and know how horrific it is to be out in the desert with no water. Thank you to No More Deaths for their humanitarian aid as well.

  20. People who argue that asylum is a nefarious thing probably assume that because they can’t imagine that, living in the US, they’d ever face the kinds of decisions facing many in Central America.

    First – none of the people asking for asylum in the US would have thought, two years ago, even one year ago, that they’d leave their homes, friends, and family for the dangerous trip to the US. No one grows up with asylum as a goal.

    Second – people in the US really DO need to think about their assumption of never needing asylum. If North Korea lobs a couple of nukes into the heartland, throwing a huge cloud of fallout across the middle of the country… your, and your children’s lives may depend on the asylum policies of Canada and Mexico.

    It could happen to you. It just hasn’t yet.

    1. I’m just curious where all of you think the people living in abject poverty and gang ridden neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Detroit, New York, etc. are supposed to go for asylum? How about American citizens living in poverty and kids going to bed with no food? How about thinking about solving our own problems of which we have many before trying to solve the problems of the world?

      1. Actually, their problems are our problems, thanks to our drug consumption and our role in meddling in foreign governments. In many cases, we helped create the situations that led to the crisis. It’s the same problem.

        1. We all make our choices about how to help our fellow human beings. Steve is passionate about his choices just as I am about mine. There’s enough suffering to go around and enough Americans able to help. Sue, I applaud you if you’re making a difference in the inner cities!

      2. Similar arguments were made against the US space program.

        The benefits of the technology continue to pay a very high ROI, decades later, including improving the lives of those living in poverty and need.

        We have phones more powerful and storing more data than Eniac and the later room-filling computers. Were it not for the need to fit a lot of technology in those cramped capsules—”Here am I floating ’round my tin can, far above the moon”, as David Bowie put it in Space Oddity—we would likely have taken another decade or more before someone tried to miniaturize computers, and it might gave taken another three decades and a billion private/corporate dollars or more, before any reasonable advancement could be made, and at a greater cost to any customers than the first Macs cost.

        Homeless people have phones so that they might have a second chance at a better life. People with debilitating diseases have a better life and often a longer happier life. Shut ins can communicate with others because of laptops and smartphones.

        The money spent on any true 501(c)3 charity will have a good ROI, having helped people out of bad situations, as they are able to function in health and safety, paying it forward.

        I’d rather hope and love, as it pays better down the line in my own health and well-being.

        Much scientific research, including medical advancement in understanding our world and bodies, never would have happened.

    2. Ed in Virginia: As an older American who has looked into ways to acquire permanent residency in Canada because my daughter married someone there, I can assure you that seeking asylum in Canada will not be possible for hoardes of displaced Americans who suddenly ever might want to come pouring in, no matter how generous they are with refuge policies at this moment. There was no special sympathy for an American whose only family was suddenly permanently living 1000 miles away in another country. Elderly Americans are especially unwelcome because of the potential drains on their health system. If it is this hard now, I cant imagine a scenario like what you suggested.. The country of Canada simply could not afford it. And Mexico? COME ON!!! It isn’t a pretty world. No. Its heartbreaking, in fact. I have nothing against the 5% charge added to fund humanitarian efforts. But people do need to start thinking these things out with some common sense. Seems like a long time now that I haven’t been hearing much of it from anyone.

      1. Do you think they’re coming here for asylum for cheaper drugs or a nicer way of living? If the country of the USA can afford to ignore the drug problem (we are the customers, not the Mexicans) and can afford to create policies in Central America that created the crisis, we have an obligation to deal with it.

        I think we all can agree (or I sure hope so) that we need comprehensive immigration reform. Let’s pressure Senator McConnel to get this ball rolling.

          1. I am humbled and honored to be supporting this initiative as well as your focus on preserving indigenous traditions and agricultural products of Mexico. Thank you.

        1. I would like to agree with you, but “Senator” McConnell is an invertebrate, and as such is effective only when he is tunneling through the scraps in my compost pile. American politics is a reflection of American society: lost, corrupt, and hopelessly broken. I’m too old for promises; I have promises going back to Nixon. Until this society is brought to its knees and its senses, it will be ruled by masters who have far less integrity than a humble bean. I’ll take a bean over any man jack of them in congress.

          1. I was just thinking of that entity’s “grinchitude”, and what its chances for happiness in an afterlife it allegedly believes in. Snowball’s chance . . .

        2. Steve Sando: I think your reply is beside the point. The point i was trying to make is that we in the US have nowhere to go.
          Nowhere. Even in the US there is a finite amount of resources at our disposal and if we do not manage it better than we are doing, we will have nothing left — for ourselves or for asylum seekers who come our way. Heck yes we need policy changes. Ones I do not see even mentioned anywhere, not that I know what they all should be. I don’t support the drug culture, but I think its a secondary issue in our increasingly ominous load of problems. If we are at or near the top, we need to take care of ourselves in order to take care of others.

          1. This is ridiculous, sorry. How MANY of our resources are dedicated to refugees and immigrants?
            We can’t be importing massive amounts of drugs, sell them arms, and mess with their democracies and then not be asked to pay the price. It’s a small one price in comparison.

          2. Yes, here’s the crux of Steve’s reasoning: Americans owe the world because America is bad. Amazing!

  21. Wonderful! This is a fantastic response to a very unethical situation. Going forward I will double-down and commit to purchase more beans from Rancho Gordo.

  22. Perhaps you could add an option for Bean Club Members to ’round up’ their quarterly price in order to further support this great cause. Thank you for everything you do.

  23. Thank you. I will always be a customer and you can believe I will be spreading the word that not only are your products amazing but better still you have the heart of humans I admire

  24. This does not dissuade me from purchasing your beans from Mexico, but encourages me to do so. Thank you for making this statement and for giving money to wonderful cause. It is horrendous what our government is doing at the border.

  25. Unfortunately, we have MANY young Central American males making their way to the United States, PARAMILITARY TRAINED MALES. While it is true that there are SOME who come for an honest life, MANY come as part of a larger picture. My mother came to the U.S. LEGALLY, a word that seems appalling to many of you. My grandparents were SPONSORED! If you want people coming here and being rewarded for BREAKING THE LAW, you either should go to jail OR, you can pay for them personally, out of your own pocket(s). My father’s side came here LEGALLY as well. We NEED LEGAL IMMIGRATION. We are not having children. We are at 1.77%. You need AT LEAST 2.3 or higher to maintain our programs. But, when people like Cuomo in NY give illegals DRIVER’S LICENSES and now, the ability to vote? No thank you. I try my hardest to support companies I agree with. I vote with my pocketbook. The owner of Rancho Gordo should bring in ALL of the illegals and then PAY FOR THEM. How’s that? We have VETS who fought for this country, living under bridges, and HUD now being threatened with some type of prosecution because they want to THROW OUT ILLEGALS and allow for ELDERLY, AMERICAN-BORN CITIZENS those units. Wow! Go figure!

    1. Agree 100%, no more ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, PERIOD!! If they can’t come into America legally, then we don’t want or need them. Most don’t even have any identification and many are from countries other than Mexico or south america. No more Racho Gordo beans for me, many other places to take my business.

      1. The only paramilitary people I’ve read about relative to the border are the American wingnuts who like to indulge their fantasies of being The Law.
        And in terms of the “we don’t want or need them” — yeah, let’s see how well that works when there’s no one around to make sure that you can happily fill up your basket with fresh produce at the market. And when there’s no one to do the myriad of jobs, often involving crazy hard work for low pay, that you just take for granted.
        Thank you, Steve, for taking a principled stand. I think I’m going to order some beans now.

    2. “Give us your tired, your hungry, your poor”-
      As U.S. citizens we are completely incapable of understanding the plight of Mexican/Central/South American immigrants. NO one here is advocating for illegal immigration- just the humane treatment of human beings. I wholeheartedly support Steve and the majority of his customers in taking care of the less fortunate. Is that not why were put on this earth?

      1. Ellen, you are a true faro—a lighthouse, pouring lovingkindness into the dark of hate and fear.

      2. I second that. And also, why does it have to be an either/or kind of choice for caring for humans? While perhaps many of us grew up in this lack mentality, myself included, we don’t have to stay there. I choose to give a damn about things outside my sphere bc it enriches my life and could potentially help others. I’m going to introduce friends and family to your food bc I admire your mind and efforts and food of course. Thank you! <3

    3. I completely agree. We have to understand how this crisis impacts this country and it’s citizens. Our congress fights for illegals over homeless vets and children sleeping in the streets. There is actually a transgender “group home”
      With paid medical and dental and courses how to be more feminine. This is insane. Schools , hospitals and law enforcement are impacted financially to the max. Free airfare, medical dental, education
      Welfare and food stamps while waiting for a adjudication of asylum claim. While over 90% fail to show up for court date. Who feels empathy for the American taxpayers. Liberal do-gooders need to pay for the illegals from their own pocket. People wait over ten years after filling for legal immigration. What about them?

      1. I’m not really clear on what your point is but I suspect we might both agree that comprehensive immigration reform is needed. Tantrum tariffs help no one. Let’s hold our politicians’ feet to the fire and address this issue in a calm, rational, and fair manner.

    4. Terri – I think there is more to it – I came here legally as well, and I think many people crossing the border by foot would like to be here legally – how about providing legal immigration to people that currently work on our farms and many other jobs – it seems that you care about these things, and the problem is totally overwhelming and I think it is possible to find and implement real solutions.

      Until this is so, I personally have added a monthly donation now to this charity so that they can provide water and legal help to those that need it. I don’t know if we have programs here where you can support someone or a family to come and live with you as part of a refugee program, this (very successfully) does exist in Sweden and the Netherlands, but there we take care of our VETS as well and don’t have them live under bridges – it seems all those are connected.

      1. I think comprehensive immigration reform is necessary. We don’t have a clear path for migration or asylum.
        It’s amazing that providing water to dying people is controversial.

    5. Terri,
      Not going to comment on the content of your comment, but by calling another human being “illegal,” you are dehumanizing them. It is demeaning and delegitimizes anything you have to say. Please have respect for your fellow humans. No humans are “illegal.” You could get more respect with your comment if you describe the behavior of immigrants in terms of legality instead.
      Have a nice day!

  26. Thank you, the 5% couldn’t go to a better use. I’m just heartsick that we have to do it.
    Love your beans.

  27. Thank you so much for your stand on this issue! I live in Tucson, AZ and am very familiar with the good work of No More Deaths. Your beans are spectacular and your politics align with mine. Keep up the good work!

  28. Delighted with Rancho Gordo’s response to this insane situation. I’ll be happy to pay the surcharge with my next order. ¡Viva bean farmers!

  29. Thank you! I was so touched by your email update I was tearing up at my desk at work. It’s appalling that our government would rather we leave the least among us to die in the dessert than support the basic compassionate help that No More Deaths provides.

  30. So it looks like the tariffs have been averted and the Mexican government has pledged to work with us to stem the flow of immigrants–good news! https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexican-officials-hail-tariff-averting-pact-with-us-even-as-worries-emerge/2019/06/08/fcee754a-8886-11e9-9d73-e2ba6bbf1b9b_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.7212f8a86865
    I am proud of Mexico for stepping to the plate, albeit after the threat of tariffs. I will continue to buy the awesome beans from this website and pay the extra 5% gladly, if the victims of our inept Congress will receive help. I do not condone illegal entry into this country, but when lives are at stake, humanitarian help is warranted. Good job!

    1. Actually, Mexico has been working with the administration all along and the ‘agreement” was nothing new. All it did was make hell for companies on both sides of the border who are trying to do business, and in our case, create opportunities for entrepreneurs who DON’T want to come here. Our relationships have been damaged and it was for nothing.
      I’m glad we can agree on the humanitarian aid part, though. If you search Google, there are videos of uniformed US Border patrol agents emptying water jugs left for refugees. Our tax dollars at work.

  31. I shall place an order today while I applaud your stance and conviction for goodness., decency, and respect. Thank you, Steven.

  32. Thank you for being socially responsible on all our behalf. Companies like yours and Penzey’s will continue to be my favorites because of such actions. I hope you will have an overwhelming positive response to this action. This is a dark time in our history and this cruelty is not the face of America that should be shown to asylum seekers.

  33. We’re in, too. I hope the positive response here, and strong purchases, send your growers the message that RG customers care about them. Because we do. Thanks.

  34. These comments are wonderful. You are doing the appropriate and humane thing. Your response makes me proud. Thank you Steve, you are the treasure we all appreciate.

  35. Your point about asylum seekers cannot repeated often enough or loudly enough. Thank you for doing this.

  36. While your comitment appears to be positive, it only encourges more of the same. Isllium is permitted in the FIRST country one comes to, and not else where….illegal immigration only deminishes legal immigration. What we are currently experiencing is political in nature….this whole mess has been orchestrated to exploit(by both political parties)….It’s a shame on all who are participating to make this happen…with what I have read in the posts, it appears that there are many that would like to contribute. I would sugest that you provide an area in the checkout that will allow those who chose to participate to do so, and not others who do not. optional is always superior to mandatory….and, you will more than likely, raise more money for your cause.

    1. I appreciate your comments. I don’t really agree but I think we’re after the same end result.
      Again, I’m all for comprehensive immigration reform, not temper tantrum diplomacy.

      The proposed tariffs weren’t optional and I wish I could express properly the damage they’ve done, after virtually closing the border in early June. This is costing us in dollars and good faith.

      1. Thank you! I am a loyal customer of Rancho Gordo and will continue to be…I support this decision 100%.

  37. Steve, you are a real class act. I applaud your efforts and my respect for you and your company has grown by leaps and bounds just now. Here’s an idea that may not be feasible but here goes: why not add a little box to tick on our orders that would add even more of a donation to No More Deaths? Yes, we could all go and donate as we are willing and able, but I’m willing to bet that not everyone who buys beans from you has heard of them. I know I hadn’t until you wrote.

  38. Thank you for taking action to help this terrible situation that is being exploited for political gain.

  39. Thank you, Steve & Rancho Gordo team. I applaud your decision, and I second Sophia’s suggestion (June 21 at 9:07) about adding “a little box to tick on our orders that would add even more of a donation to No More Deaths”.

  40. I’m in on Bean Club member voluntary donations. Just give me a box to check with a dollar amount. This isn’t a poltical statement, its a humanitarian statement. ICE is making No More Deaths work even harder as they threaten them in the field. Our Mexican growers deserve respect, 5% is pittance. The immigrants deserve human respect and cogent immigration law, not emotions and rants and threats.

  41. Thank you for caring–I have been impressed with your company and loved the little video of the oregano growers in Mexico. Your loyal customers will continue to support you!

  42. Sorry, while I loved your beans, I am reconsidering buying further with your policy that encourages this illegal invasion of the US. Over a million a year can’t be called anything but an invasion.

    If they want to immigrate, let them do it the right way like my family did a century ago.

  43. Thank you for taking this public position and making this humane business decision. It is not always easy to do the right thing and your action feels right to me. I am happy to make this contribution whenever I purchase something from you. Because of your kindness, I will become a member of the Bean Club as soon as it opens up again. I support businesses who care about people.

  44. Thank you Steve. Once again you demonstrate the best of how to be a citizen of the world, and very specifically, of the Americas, not just on this side of the border. If there was any interest in improving the economy and the lives farmers on both sides of the border, these policies would never be even suggested of threatened. In such hard times to feel any pride in what is being done in the official acts of our country, you are an example of who we really are, what we really care about and value. Thank you. We’ve got your back.

  45. We are so lucky to have found Rancho Gordo! We are loyal customers and happy you engaged us to help you with this support.

  46. Thank you for your concern and such a practical response. Thanks also for bringing No More Deaths to our attention. Maybe you could ask club members if they would like to give 5% on the whole order. With admiration. Patti

  47. Very commendable! This sounds like a compassionate agency which helps with aid for those in need of temporary assistance. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to cross desert areas in the extreme heat.
    Our members of Congress, both sides, need to take care of the business of implementing new immigration laws which, hopefully, would be fair but protective of our borders so that this situation doesn’t continue to exist.

  48. I have been a loyal customer since I first read about your business in Sunset magazine. I completely support what you are doing with the 5% and the work you do with Xoxoc. This gives me yet another reason to continue to support your business.

  49. Thank you for your stand on this difficult situation. And I appreciate the care you give to your partners in Mexico.

  50. I’m happy to pay 5% in order to assist “No more Deaths”. Thanks for taking the initiative, and for posting such a thoughtful blog post. I’ve been a Rancho Gordo Customer for years and will continue to be in the future!

  51. Thank you for not just “sticking to beans.” Too many of us just stick to beans. My two vegan daughters and I have been customers for years, and it’s been especially fun to introduce Rancho Gordo to vegans and foodies alike. I’ve always been happy to do so, but now I will be proud as well. Bravo Steve. Bravo for being a true human.

    1. Thanks. Staying out of this is a luxury that I don’t think we can afford.
      I love the responses here. Water for dying people shouldn’t be controversial.

  52. I’m behind this 100%, and you can bet I’ll be adding some of the Mexican products to my next order! I love that I’m not surprised about your decision, and it only encourages me to continue to support your business. You’re doing things right.

  53. I want to cook your beans with Penzey’s spices and have a wonderful meal from two companies whose compassion and principles make me REALLY HAPPY.

  54. Thank you for supporting No More Deaths (and being them to my attention). Will be placing another order soon.

  55. Thank you for taking a sane and humane stance on this complicated situation. Time for me to order more beans

  56. What a man of character you are. Thank you for taking a stand. All of my spices come from Penzey’s and beans from Rancho Gordo. My heart breaks for what our country has become. So much greed.

  57. I am so very proud to purchase from such an honorable man. Thank you. Penzey spices also fill my spice cabinet !

  58. Thank you for your thoughtful response to a very difficult situation. Your ethical actions are to be commended.

  59. I will gladly pay an additional 5% for heritage beans and other goods from our Mexican neighbors. Your thoughtful response to a terrible humanitarian crisis is one reason why I will continue as a loyal customer.

  60. Dear Mr. Sando:

    You are correct. You should stick to beans and leave the politics out of it. Normally I would not leave a comment and simply cease to be a Rancho Gordo customer over your decision to require me to support an organization such as No More Deaths with your surcharge. However, it truly saddens me that I will no longer be ordering your wonderful products because of this decision.

    As a loyal and longtime customer who is very supportive of your work with the farmers in Mexico, I find it contrarian that you would support an organization such as No More Deaths which indirectly encourages migration and would like to think that your is effort is a well-meaning but misguided humanitarian outreach.

    The No More Deaths organization is one of the action arms of the Unitarian Universalist Church, which is an advocate for open boarders based upon their “Faith Based Principles for Immigration Reform”.

    It is one of a number of NGOs, with dubious source of funding, which have been repeatedly implicated in organizing, supplying, and funding the Central American caravans which have been the cause of the boarder crisis in the first place, and that No More Deaths then purport to help with their “humanitarian aid”. This is not about migration and asylum. It is politics and big business at its worst.

    In any event, I am sure that I will no more change your mind that you will chance mine but I do sincerely wish you the best.

    Good bye and good luck.

  61. I agree with the commenters who say add a checkbox at checkout for those who wish to donate. Instead, you graciously upcharge your customers and take credit for the donations. This reminds me of the RG political statement you made a while back about boycotting Fedex. People love to say “this isn’t political” then they make a political statement! You have made beans about politics and that isn’t helping to bring anyone together. I do respect you wagering your business in alignment with your feelings. I know “social responsibility” seems to go hand and hand with business these days so all the best to you but I won’t be a customer any longer on my trips to the Ferry Building (and I’m sure that’s fine with you). On a side note, when my relatives immigrated here this wasn’t a welfare state and they had to earn every piece of bread. We are living in a very different world now.

    1. I think it’s safe to say we’re not a good fit for customer and company.
      We’re making our own donations as well to No More Deaths.
      Not doing something about the situation on the border is a luxury and a privilege. Humanitarian aid, like giving water to dying people, isn’t so controversial in my book.

    2. Since Rancho Gordo hasn’t been in the Ferry Building for at least 2 years, somehow I don’t think losing your business is going to affect him much.

      1. Robyn, I was thinking the same thing! Guess Wes hasn’t been going to the Ferry Building—where I first encountered tasting samples of Rancho Gordo beans—the past couple of years.

  62. Thank you. Many of wonder what difference one person can make, and this is it. So compassionate and well-reasoned.

  63. Hurray for you, Steve! Today my RG beans will taste even better. Blessings to all of you at Rancho Gordo.

  64. Thank you for being responsible and keeping us informed.
    It’s one of the reasons I love your products.

  65. I totally agree with you. Thanks for your levelheadness and for helping with No More Deaths.

    PS I also love your beans!

  66. I greatly appreciate this gesture and your support of this organization. I am very proud to be a customer of Ranch Gordo. and fully support its ideals.

  67. BRAVO, to Rancho Gordo! I appreciate you and your beans even more that you are supporting the people who grow some of your beans and their families and immigrants. This is a subject close to my heart and you are wonderful in your support of the people!! Les quiero MUCHISIMO!

  68. As if I didn’t love you all enough already. Thank you thank you thank you. We will continue to buy Rancho Gordo beans for ourselves and as gifts for our family and friends.

  69. Thank you Steve. I am with you on all points, and won’t mind the extra charge. I know going public with these decisions must be difficult from a business point of view, but most of us appreciate you and your products more knowing you put people before profits. You are a good man.

  70. thank you for the blog post, the decisions you are making and the actions you are taking with Mexican partners and with No Mas Muertes. An excellent response to a truly horrifying week.

  71. Wish you hadn’t done that. I really liked your beans, but I’m already paying extra for everything because of all the thieving wetbacks running around loose down here. So onto my boycott list you go.

  72. I love you guys! Am so happy to have found Rancho Gordo. Your humanity makes me proud, and you have my full support for the 5%.

  73. you just keep doing what you’re doing and we will support you to the fullest extent. We’ll need all the votes we can get to oust this imbecile from office and to the extent possible prosecute him for all the immoral acts done to humanity

  74. Your response reinforces my already great appreciation and admiration of your business and values.
    How one does business is the expression of one’s character. So it is only fitting your values are reflected in your response through your business. BEANS are your business! Thanks for including us.

  75. I will continue to buy beans from Rancho Gordo because of their quality. Products I can source else where I will.
    I understand the need to cover your costs if the tariffs are enacted. However, I cannot support the illegal entry of anyone. I have discontinued my business from other Companies for the same reasons.
    I also understand that there are no simple solutions to this complicated problem but I will not welcome illegals. There are appropriate legal paths to enter, use them.

    1. The system is broken. Kids are in cages (apparently without soap or toothpaste). Our drug consumption (also illegal and more awful) is why they have to flee their homeland, along with US intervention. And water for the dying is a simple solution to a simple problem.

  76. Thank you, Rancho Gordo! Nothing to add except my best wishes for your best year yet. Now I have to go place an order.

  77. I actually haven’t bought beans from you for a long time, but had stayed on your mailing list because I kept meaning to. Your email made me remember why I love supporting your business. What a heartbreaking situation we have created on “our” border. Now I’ll just have to figure out how to eat all these beans!

  78. Good for you. I totally support your stance.

    And you are absolutely correct that the U.S. has created the conditions that have resulted in so many needing asylum. But to know that, one has to be willing to become educated about U.S. “involvement” in Central (& South) America over the last 30-ish years. But it’s easier just to blame the people fleeing death & torture “we” helped create. (Not to mention the estimated 30 million Americans who buy illegal drugs from those same countries every year.)

  79. Thank you for the explanation and even more for your clear and articulate approach to all this. I am happy to pay the 5 percent markup.

  80. Thank you, Steve, for your compassion, for walking your talk. No More Deaths does work for which no value can be assigned. They save men, women, and children from death in the desert and I’m really perplexed that anyone thinks that’s wrong. Thank you for being a man – and a company – of conscience.

  81. Thank you, Steve! We love you, Rancho Gordo and your commitment to quality, humanity and heritage. Being an engaged citizen and business owner means political decision making. Your example of speaking your truth and standing behind it in the face of potential blow back is the definition of the kind of responsibility we all need to follow. You are appreciated. ❤️

  82. Yay You! I wish all producers were as properly committed as you are in every way. Happy to pay the surcharge. I hope that all your customers support you and also go and vote in primaries and in 2020! To those who say stick to beans and keep politics out of it, I would say, in the end all politics is personal and we all have a responsibility to see to it that we support the policies that truly can make America great. Lies and blather don’t do it.

    1. Phyllis, you are so right. The political IS personal, and very much so for a lot of US citizens.

  83. People should not be dying. And asylum is not the same as immigration, both need to exist. But I do wonder what comprehensive immigration reform would look like, what exactly would it consist of? I have not seen a detailed policy proposal for this, wonder if anyone has? Steve?

  84. Steve, I would like to see your response to Lynda, June 21. Rather than say that she is wrong, I would like to see WHY she is wrong. I say this because I would like to know WHY she is wrong.

    1. Oh, I see which one. Because I have seen this movie. I will go into great considerate detail and my response will be ignored. The comment about the new backpacks is your clue. It’s not a sincere debate.

  85. Bravo! As soon as I read this I started planning an order.
    Thank you for being a responsible business!
    You should partner with Penzey’s spices as well.

  86. Thank you for doing the right thing, Steve. Your values in action and how you lead your company are just one more reason why I’ll continue buying more of your beans. Keep going. Don’t stop.

  87. Yes! In complete support of this decision and will keep on buying, and highly recommending, your wonderful beans. Here is to the partnerships you are building!

  88. I really appreciate this. We should all publicly denounce the U.S. treatment of asylum-seekers and support groups who are working to help these vulnerable people. It’s the moral thing to do.

    I’ve always admired the ways Rancho Gordo collaborates with Mexican farmers and supports the production of heritage beans. Thank you for your efforts.

  89. As many others have said, you’ve increased my loyalty with this. And I appreciate that you’ve considered the many facets of the situation and that your post reflects that. I don’t have knowledge re specifics of across border trade but trust that you do and am more than willing to support your efforts. Thank you for a great product and more importantly, for being a great human.

  90. I applaud your efforts and intend to continue being a Bean Club member. Thanks for all you do!

  91. Steve, I have always admired your dedication to making the communities of the earth a better place You are truly a Humanitarian and try to help all of the people and the earth. I support you totally and if there is any way I can contribute to you cause to make life better for all of us please tell me how I can help you. I have been a loyal customer because as a vegan of of 38 years your beans have allowed me to enjoy good health and also have a social conscious. Also, your beans are the absolute gourmet best I have ever had the good fortune to experience.
    I applaud YOU.

  92. You are stellar, and I’m proud to be a steady if occasional customer.

    You could partner with Bill Penzey, of Penzey’s spices—the two of you have kind hearts.

  93. As I say to my grandson every night he is with us- Love you once, love you twice, love you more than beans and rice. This to you Steve. I have never been so proud to be a member of the Bean Club.

  94. Steve, I really love your products, but I will no longer be ordering from your company again until you get out of politics. I think your heart is in the right place, but if you want real change we need to stop encouraging people to come her illegally. You say all these people are just fleeing their countries because of the horrible conditions, buy why do they by pass Mexico in their flight to the US? Mexico is a lot of this problem, for they need to do a better job of handling the crisis and control their own borders better. Also instead of supporting illegal immigration lets find ways to pressure the countries these people are fleeing from to improve conditions for their own people.

    You should make the 5% fee optional then some customers can choose to pay it if they feel as you do, but for people like me I will put my money toward real solutions.

    1. Have you also written to Chick-fil-a and told them to keep out of politics? What about AT&T and Comcast? They donate millions to politicians with your money. Why is buying influence with a politician who will vote against your own interests ok and providing water to someone on death’s door the problem?

    2. This is about helping our fellow HUMAN beings, not politics. It’s just the right thing to do.

    3. That was exactly the suggestion I was going to make, that the 5% should be optional. It seems that many, many people commenting here will gladly pay the extra 5% and feel very good about it. I agree with you 100%, except I do support Steve’s giving plan here and will opt to pay it, but to keep everyone happy and buying beans, I think the 5% should be optional. Anything else feels coercive. And when so many people here sound like they will no longer buy the products, guess who is harmed? The bean growers in Mexico. Unintended consequence, but that is a fact.

  95. Love this!! Thank you for stepping up to help Mexican immigrants. I’m happy to pay a little more. All the best!

  96. Steve, I completely support the purpose of the 5% . Your vision and mission to save the beans in cooperation with farmers in Mexico is a template for our own agricultural policies and practices. If only our government were as sensible.
    I love these beans!

  97. To those who agree with the spirit of this but think the 5% should be optional – c’mon, folks, we’re talking about $0.30 a bag.

  98. I doubt you need my encouragement, but you have it. As for the 5%, those of us who can afford $6 beans can surely afford $6.30 beans….and those who think it’s OK for desperate people to die of dehydration, well, I can’t think of a civil response to their lack of humanity and compassion, so I’ll just stop here.

  99. Dear Steve and Co.,

    I support your plan to address the tariff. Great idea donating the proceeds to No More Deaths/No Mas Muertes organization. It’s good to know I support a business that cares about humanity.

  100. Dear Steve,

    Thank you for doing the right thing and making it so easy for me to share in this humanitarian action.

    Dot E.

  101. Thank you Steve and Rancho Gordo. What we eat, the air we breathe, the borders we share – it’s all connected. There is no problem at the border that we are not both responsible for and capable of solving. We need to wake up, come to our senses and do the real work of immigration reform that centers humanity, not profits. Actions like this help. Thank you!

  102. Thank you for this opportunity. I have just ordered several of your products from Mexico and made a contribution to No More Deaths.

  103. Bravo!! So well said, Steve. So well done. I am more impressed than ever. Thank you for your courage and decency. Now, Time to place some more orders.

  104. Please comment further on the “they should immigrate here legally” argument. It’s not like that is even possible if you are from Mexico. People don’t know what they’re talking about and need to be educated about the ridiculous mess around immigration laws. Also, I would like to say how lucky we are to share our Southern border with the loving, gentle, family oriented Mexican people.

  105. Thank you Steve Sando! Love your passion. Love your beans. Thank you for taking a stand, we are happy to remain in the bean club and pay a little more.

    And yes, we choose not to patronize Chick Fil A, Hobby Lobby, Wal Mart, and Jimmy Johns.

    1. Same here, Linda. I stopped buying from Carl’s Jr in 1977, when I heard of the sexist policies in the business and of the founder’s political donation choices. I forget when I heard about similar contributions from Dominos Pizza’s founder/CEO, but then, I tend to go for indie pizzerias. In San José, it’s Tony & Alba’s.

      I know Dave Thomas, late founder of Wendy’s (whose menu options never appealed to me), was adopted and pro-adoption. The company now is anti-choice.

      There are restaurants, grocers, and other businesses who do good things in the community, and I patronize them: I’m another Penzey’s customer, and I buy Girl Scout cookies.

  106. I am annoyed and disturbed by the imposed charge on Mexican imports. As a loyal Rancho Gordo customer, I don’t appreciate having my dollars put toward something I don’t support. If you were as informed as you say, you would know no tariffs have been imposed on Mexico. A business should be providing its customers the best products and customer service, not using it as a platform for political reform. I thought this business was about beans, period. Politics has no place in any business in America. If you are concerned with helping illegal immigrants, you should do it with your own money not mine. Even if immigrants are seeking asylum if they are entering this country any way but the legal way, they are entering it illegally. You are basically taking money from hardworking Mexican farmers and giving it to criminals. If you are concerned with helping people, there are plenty in the U.S. that could use your help. The U.S. can’t help everyone. We do not have the resources to sustain the number of people entering our country. Do some research and see the numbers for yourself.

  107. thanks and sympathetic with your position. it might help your cred if you didn’t write “try and” instead of “try to”, a sure sign of semiliteracy. this kind of stuff is fine in country & western lyrics.

  108. I had the good fortune to live in Napa for a year back in 2012-13. I didn’t have a car (by choice and budget), but used to walk or ride my bike all over town. Walking to Rancho Gordo and buying beans was one of the most cherished memories of my time in Napa. Now that I am back on the east coast, while thinking of your beans as a gift for my son’s 30th birthday, I saw this set of beans from Mexico and also read the comments after the blog. The “tariff” donation from this product resonates with me because my son has friends who are volunteering for the organization that gives water to the people crossing through the desert. If a portion of my gift to him goes to helping people in dire need, I am most happy to be part of that. Many of the products that we buy have an impact on the world for better or worse, despite people saying , and this humanitarian cause is one that is needed. The United States had a hand in creating the problems of central America and we should help to solve them. I support and appreciate your efforts as a private company trying to make a positive difference in this part of the world.

    1. Please tell your son that you have another East Coaster applauding his loudly and proudly! These people who come here are NOT vagrants and criminals as our idiot in chief claims but rather people looking to escape extreme poverty, and/or running from death threats to themselves and their families if they do not comply with mandated service as a drug mule for drug cartels. AND the Police do nothing except look the other way when they see a woman murdered in Juarez or give protection to the drug kingpin.

      Steve if you can find a way to do this via your website maybe a donation button on the checkout page, I’d love to donate extra money to help these groups save lives

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