By John Holland, Modesto Bee

Agricultural leaders in the Modesto area joined in a letter Monday detailing the effects of clogged ports on exports.

They urged the Biden administration to step up its efforts to ease the flow of dairy products, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Ports in Oakland and elsewhere have slowed due to a shortage of ocean-going containers and cargo-handling equipment. The letter went to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council.

The local signers are Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies; Aubrey Bettencourt, president and CEO of the Almond Alliance of California; and Don Barton of the California Walnut Handlers Coalition.