NOGALES, AZ - As debates continue regarding the Tomato Suspension Agreement, the Arizona State Senate is the latest to speak out in favor of the deal as a means to protect Arizona businesses and the United States fresh tomato market. Following a proclamation made on the Senate Floor by Senate President Pro Tempore Thomas “T.J.” Shope, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) shared details.
“The Arizona State Legislature recognizes the severe economic repercussions that terminating the Agreement would have, including punitive duties that would increase tomato prices for consumers. This proclamation highlights the importance of continuing the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement, ensuring the prosperity of businesses, workers, and consumers in Arizona and across the United States,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President.
A press release stated that the Arizona Senate proclamation draws attention to the vital economic, cultural, and trade ties between Arizona and Mexico, emphasizing the Tomato Suspension Agreement's important role in maintaining stability in the U.S. tomato market for over two decades. With 1.1 billion pounds of tomatoes imported through Nogales, Arizona, annually, the agreement not only secures jobs for thousands of Americans but also ensures a diverse selection of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes for U.S. consumers.
Shope read the proclamation on February 15, 2024, calling on the Department of Commerce to maintain the Tomato Suspension Agreement. The release went on to state that the agreement has helped foster innovation in the tomato industry and generate jobs for the state of Arizona and across the U.S.
In addition to the Arizona Legislature, statewide support for the agreement has come from a wide range of government and community supporters. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs publicly supported the state’s tomato businesses in a letter to Secretary Gina Raimondo from the Department of Commerce.
At the federal level, the Arizona Congressional Delegation led and signed a bicameral, bipartisan letter with 34 Members of Congress calling for the Department of Commerce to maintain the agreement.
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