Tag: trade

Authorities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada moved months ago to implement programs to limit the spread of a new tomato virus, ToBRFV, which is not a food safety threat to humans or animals.

While it’s important that Senators and U.S. representatives hear from their constituents in the produce industry, Congress usually reverts to its paralyzed, partisan ways, with little legislation to show for the industry’s efforts. But this year, that may change.

It is estimated that constructing new warehouse space for inspections will cost importers more than $200 million upfront, plus another $50 million a year in fees and other costs.

The Florida Tomato Exchange welcomes the signing today by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Mexican tomato exporters of a new agreement suspending the antidumping investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico.

WASHINGTON, DC – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue reminded the fresh produce industry, he and his boss represent farmers.

While not all growers export, trade is critical to the future of the entire industry.  If those apples don’t find homes overseas they flood the domestic market, leading to supply issues that impact everyone’s bottom line.

U.S. apple growers are bracing for another round of retaliatory tariffs from China, the U.S. Apple Association said Aug 28.. The country has said it will begin unleashing new tariffs on a wide range of U.S. goods, including an additional 10 percent on apples for a total of 60 percent, beginning Sept. 1.

Free, fair and reciprocal trade for U.S. agriculture was the resounding message from Agriculture Under Secretary Ted McKinney at the U.S. Apple Association’s 2019 Outlook and Marketing Conference in Chicago. McKinney spoke at the 124th annual meeting of apple growers and businesses about the importance of a “two-way street” in trading partnerships.