By Jamie Martin
Farm and crop leaders from across the United States are voicing strong support for the decision to terminate the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA).
The decision, made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, comes amid growing concerns about unfair Mexican tomato imports.
Agriculture groups argue that the agreement has failed to prevent illegally priced Mexican tomatoes from entering the U.S. market, undermining domestic producers.
With the July 14 end date approaching, letters from state farm bureaus and specialty crop groups stress the urgent need for change.
Eric Mayberry of the Tennessee Farm Bureau noted that over the years, Mexican tomato imports rose by nearly 400%, while U.S. market share dropped to about 30%.
The U.S. Court of International Trade confirmed dumping violations, and the U.S. International Trade Commission found that such practices are hurting American farmers.
Allen Carter, New Jersey Farm Bureau President, warned that renegotiating the TSA “would only perpetuate an unenforceable strategy, further eroding our domestic industry.”
Greg Bird, Michigan Vegetable Council Executive Director, emphasized, “Termination will not stop Mexican tomatoes from entering the U.S. They will just need to be sold at fair prices.”
Supporters of the termination also raised national security and food supply concerns. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson stressed, “If we lose our domestic fruit and vegetable producers, we lose more than an industry—we lose control over our food system.”
Farmers fear that continuing the agreement could lead to further decline in domestic production, making the country more dependent on foreign imports.
The Florida Tomato Exchange, whose members produce half of U.S. fresh-market tomatoes, supports the move. They believe ending the TSA will help rebuild the competitiveness and sustainability of the American tomato industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-bastetamn
Categories: National