FLORIDA - In light of the revised trade agreement with Mexico last month, Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio are pushing the Agricultural Trade Improvement Act of 2018 forward, which will allow Flordia growers to bring trade cases to the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission against Mexican growers, according to the Florida Phoenix. As the news broke this week, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) announced its wholehearted support for the legislation, affirming it will provide critically needed trade relief for specialty crop producers in Florida and the Southeast.
“Congress and the Administration are well aware that our growers have suffered more than most under the original NAFTA,” FFVA wrote in a press release. “Years of harm from unfair trading practices, such as dumping and subsidies, have caused family farms that have operated for generations to close their doors. Without relief, Florida’s specialty crop industry will continue to suffer and shrink.”
The Agricultural Trade Improvement Act of 2018 specifically is looking to aid smaller groups of Florida-based strawberry and tomato farmers to bring complaints forward related to seasonal dumping.
“We especially appreciate both of the senators’ commitment and diligent efforts to provide the trade relief and reform to protect our growers. We urge quick passage of this important legislation,” the FFVA concluded.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the Agricultural Trade Improvement Act of 2018 and more produce-related legislation as updates arise.
