Apr 14, 2025
President Donald Trump’s tariffs could drive up prices on everything from car parts to groceries, and Gary Gragg has found a way to reduce the impact — by helping others grow their own food.
He’s focusing on a California favorite: avocados. He’s offering consumers a sustainable and long-term alternative to shouldering any cost increases: locally-grown avocado trees ready to bear fruit.
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"One thing you can do if you live in California as we do here, in this beautiful environment we have, you can grow your own," Gary Gragg, the owner of Golden Gate Palms Nursery in Richmond, told ABC7.
Avocados and other agricultural goods from Mexico are currently exempt from U.S. tariffs since they are compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), but that may be temporary. Trump had initially said he would slap 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico before agreeing to pause them.
"The vast majority of avocados eaten by U.S. citizens come from Mexico, including an estimated $2.7 billion worth of avocados imported in 2024. In fact, free trade with Mexico is partly responsible for the rise of avocados in the U.S. diet," said the Council on Foreign Relations.
How one man looks to crack the system — with trees
Imported produce is among the many categories that may be affected by tariffs, and that includes avocados. Gragg saw the price pressure coming and highlighted California's advantage: the region’s Mediterranean climate.
“Generally, there's an avocado you can grow anywhere in low-elevation Bay Area,” Gragg told ABC7. The San Francisco Chronicle once called him a “horticulturist and avocado obsessive.”
But instead of selling tiny seedlings that need plenty of attention and care, Gragg’s nursery offers trees starting at 5 feet tall. The price tag ranges from $250 to $950, depending on size.
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Golden Gate Palms Nursery reportedly has hundreds of avocado trees ready for sale. But it’s not just about the plants — it’s about a mindset shift. Gragg’s YouTube channel, True Plant Stories, has over 11,000 subscribers and is dedicated to educating viewers on how to grow their own fruit trees successfully.
It’s a long-term investment — but one that could pay off in food security and savings.
By turning his nursery into more than a business — essentially a how-to hub for aspiring backyard growers — Gragg is giving consumers the tools to take control of their food supply. His consumer-driven model offers a clear path around rising import costs and serves as an example of how businesses can adapt to policy shifts.
"Everybody needs an avocado tree, for not only the tariffs to save some money but for the environmental ethic and the fact that you'll be the coolest kid on the block if you're giving avocados away," he said.
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How to navigate rising prices due to Trump's tariffs
Gragg’s solution — growing your own avocados — is just one approach. Here are more ideas to help you navigate rising prices:
Start a garden
Whether you have a backyard or a sunny windowsill, growing food can reduce grocery bills. Start small with easy-to-grow herbs, tomatoes, or even potatoes in a 5-gallon bucket. Starting from seed is the cheapest route — just a few dollars can yield weeks of fresh produce.
Get chickens, if you can
Many urban and suburban areas now permit backyard hens. They require a bit of learning and setup, but the return is fresh eggs and a deeper connection to your food. Check to see if your local ordinances and homeowners association (HOA) allow it, and look for DIY coops to save on start-up costs.
Shift purchases to local farmers
Buying from farmers markets or signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box can keep your money in the local economy while often reducing costs on fresh produce compared to grocery store markups.
Join community trade groups
Buy Nothing groups and local barter exchanges are great ways to get what you need without spending money—whether it’s clothing, toys, or tools. It can also help you connect with your community, which can be crucial during economically trying times.
Repair and reuse
Before tossing items, look into DIY repairs or upcycling ideas. A simple fix can extend the life of clothing, electronics, or furniture and cut down on spending. Search online for repair tips or a local repair cafe or clinic where community members volunteer to help with repairs.
Gragg’s avocado tree solution may not be for everyone, but the principle behind it can help us all: When prices go up, look closer to home. Whether it’s a fruit tree in your yard or a shift to community-driven solutions, simple steps can cut costs and build more resilience into your daily life.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
