Domestic watermelon production was down in 2021, though imports from other countries like Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras rose. Domestic production totaled 3.37 billion pounds last year, a decrease of 2% from 2020. This was mostly attributed to a 7% decrease in Georgia production because of a cooler spring and 35% decrease in Texas due to Winter Storm Uri. Florida’s watermelon …
Imports Not the Issue for Tomato Producers This Year
By Clint Thompson Normally, tomato producers can point the blame for suppressed market prices to rising imports, especially those arriving from Mexico. That is not the case this year, however. Florida farmers can only blame themselves for an oversupply of produce that has led to low prices, according to Bob Spencer, president of West Coast Tomato in Palmetto, Florida. “This …
Commissioner Fried: ITC Reports Confirm Imports Devastating Florida Farmers
Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) investigations into the impact that imports of squash and cucumbers have had on seasonal growers generated responses from various industry leaders in Florida; starting with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “The ITC reports confirm what our department’s reports have long shown and what Florida’s seasonal producers have long felt: unfair trade …
USITC Releases Results of Investigations Concerning Imports of Cucumbers, Squash
Two investigations by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) yielded various conclusions about the impact that imports of cucumbers and squash are having on U.S. seasonal markets. The USITC’s conclusions regarding cucumbers include: Mexico is a highly competitive supplier of summer squash, with low costs, a reputation for consistently high product quality, and preferential packing and sorting. In the United …
Fresh Vegetable Imports Continue to Increase
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, fresh vegetable imports continued to increase in 2021, compared to the previous three years. Tomatoes’ import value in 2021 was approximately $2.1 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2018. Tomato imports were estimated at 3.2 billion pounds in 2021, compared to 3.1 billion in 2018. Cucumbers’ value was $0.7 billion …
Letter to President: Action Needed Now Against ‘Unfair’ Imports
The message is clear: Action is needed immediately against “unfair” imports. Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, along with more than half of Florida’s congressional delegation, pleaded with President Joe Biden in a letter addressed on Oct. 6 that the “long-standing threats posed to our security by unfairly-priced and high-volume imports are as grave as ever and deserve your …
Consumer Awareness Key to Tomato Industry’s Fight Against Increased Imports
By Clint Thompson It is no secret that COVID-19 provided challenges to the food supply chain and obstacles for vegetable and specialty crop producers hoping to remain sustainable amid a global pandemic. But one aspect of the pandemic is that it has boosted consumer awareness of where their food comes from. Growers and industry leaders believe a ripple effect from …
Numbers Don’t Lie: Imports Impacting Florida Blueberry Production
The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in February that imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries were not a serious injury to the domestic industry. But looking at the recent research report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it’s difficult to see the commission’s rationale. Mexico’s market share in the U.S. increased dramatically from 2016 to 2020. …
Commissioner Fried: Mexico Not Fighting Fair with Imports
By Clint Thompson One of Florida farmers’ most vocal advocates provided additional evidence on Monday of how Mexican imports of fresh fruit and vegetables are negatively impacting her state’s producers. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried, outlined statistical data that shows the disparity of market shares between Mexico and Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop farmers. “The findings continue to be shocking …
Lingering Problem: Imports’ Impact Being Felt Across Country
By Clint Thompson Imports are no longer a Southeast issue. They are quickly becoming a national issue. Unfortunately, the rising tide of imports of fresh fruits and vegetables impacting other parts of the country may be a necessary step in resolving this growing problem. “Certainly, Georgia has been in this fight with us for a long time and have done …