Lawmakers Re-introduce Defending Domestic Produce Production Act By Clint Thompson Increased imports are not just a concern of Southeast vegetable and specialty crop producers. Farmers in South Carolina and Michigan are feeling the pinch as well. Southeast growers have rallied additional allies in their fight against imports, as noticed by the recent re-introduction of the Defending Domestic Produce Production Act. …
Fresh Vegetable Imports Rose in April
Vegetable imports increased significantly in April compared to previous seasons, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. The value of imports from other countries totaled $1.49 billion in April, compared to $1.25 billion in 2020, $1.275 billion in 2019, $1.162 billion in 2018 and $1.123 billion in 2017. The fresh vegetable imports totaled $907 million in April, up significantly from …
Mechanization, AI Key to Producers’ Future
By Clint Thompson Southeast vegetable and specialty crops are engaged in a long-term struggle against seasonal imports. While imports from countries like Mexico don’t appear to be dissipating anytime soon, growers must find ways to cut costs to remain sustainable. One tool in the production toolbox is mechanization. If machines can be developed that can perform required tasks like harvesting, …
Florida Farmer: We Need to Protect Our Domestic Demand From Unfair Trade
By Clint Thompson One of the top issues affecting Florida vegetable and specialty crop production is imports. A drastic increase in produce coming from other countries continues to negatively impact the domestic markets. While morale has been low, especially following the U.S. International Trade Commission blueberry decision in February, some farmers remain upbeat. That includes Aaron Troyer, chairman of the …
Rubio, Scott Urge Reimplementation of Prohibition on Chinese Citrus Imports
Florida’s two U.S. Senators implored U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week to re-implement a prohibition on the importation of five varieties of citrus fruits from China. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to Vilsack this week in an effort to protect Florida’s citrus growers. The lletter focused on potentially exposing the state’s …
Snap Bean Update: Imports on the Rise
It is the peak season for snap beans in the U.S. Two Southeastern states continue to lead the country in domestic production. According to USDA Economic Research Service, the 2017 Census of Agriculture reported Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, California and Texas as the leading fresh-market snap bean states. Florida is the primary domestic supplier from November to April, with additional volume …
Mexican Imports Costing Georgia Veggies
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable producers are enjoying a productive season. It would be even better if not for imports from other countries, specifically Mexico. “Overall, all I’ve heard is that the product is good. It’s a high-quality product that we’ve got this year,” said Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “Unfortunately, in some …
Georgia Farmer: I Believe Our Industry is Worth Fighting For
By Clint Thompson Georgia vegetable farmer Bill Brim exudes passion when talking about agriculture. It’s all he’s known for more than 50 years. Brim directed passion and zeal toward the U.S. International Trade Commission during its hearing on cucumbers and squash in April. “I am here because I believe in Georgia farmers. I believe our industry is worth fighting for,” …
Statistically Speaking: Imports Increasing Dramatically
Imports are a real concern for vegetable and specialty crop producers across the Southeast and were the basis for a couple of U.S. International Trade Commission hearings. A closer look at the most recent USDA data explains why. According to the USDA Vegetable and Pulses Outlook: April 2021, the value of all vegetable and pulse imports totaled $16.1 billion in …
Plea for Help: Rubio, Colleagues Urge USTR to Safeguard American Seasonal Producers
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Austin Scott (R-GA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Al Lawson (D-FL) led a bipartisan letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai urging her to work with members of Congress to implement immediate trade relief measures that safeguard American producers of seasonal and perishable fruits …