What was once a booming industry in Florida is now running on fumes. Mexican imports and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) have made it almost impossible for Florida blueberry producers to compete like they used to. “Florida went through an increase from 2000 to 2015 or so. Now, I don’t know of anybody that’s putting blueberry acreage in because …
War of Deception: Consumer Awareness Key in Support of American Farmers
In the ongoing war between supporting local farmers against the influx of imports, American farmers need consumers to fight back. The significance of where food originates may never be more important than it is right now. With imports continuing to flood markets for various commodities, the end result is farmers contemplating selling their land. Others are wondering what else can …
Georgia Vegetable Farmer: Blueberry Verdict Took Wind out of my Sails
Farmers of squash and cucumbers will have their say with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) in two weeks. But don’t count Georgia farmer Jason Tyrone as one who is optimistic about farmers’ chances of convincing the USITC that imports are inflicting serious injury on the domestic crop. He just points to the USITC verdict regarding blueberries. “I hope I’m …
End in Sight? Florida Producers to Continue to Struggle Amid Rising Imports
Florida producers will continue to struggle if the issue of Mexican imports is not addressed, says Zhengfei Guan, UF/IFAS Associate Professor in the Food and Resource Economics Department. Farmers in the Sunshine State will always face an uphill battle if imports of such crops like tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries and blueberries are allowed to continue. “They’re going to have a …
Taking its Toll: Strawberry Imports Creating Strain on Farmers
The International Trade Committee’s (ITC) decision regarding blueberry imports was shocking to Florida’s blueberry producers. It was no less surprising to the state’s strawberry farmers who have their own ITC investigation under way. “Our jaws dropped. We know how bad the blueberry deal is and they said they were 5-0 voting against it,” said Matt Parke, farm manager of Parkesdale …
Florida Grower: Why Even Do This?
Florida vegetable farmers are tired of voicing their displeasure with imports from Mexico. Some are seeing the writing on the wall; the end is nearing for American farmers. Kim Jamerson, whose husband grew up on a family farm and has been farming since age 6, is ready to sell her farm. It is not because she doesn’t enjoy the work …
Florida Farmer: I’ve Got a Bad Taste in My Mouth for Mexico
Count Kim Jamerson as another Florida vegetable producer who is being negatively impacted by imports from Mexico. “I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth for Mexico,” said Jamerson in Fort Myers, Florida. She farms approximately 1,280 acres of produce in south Florida, including eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber and green pepper. Jamerson struggles to keep pace with Mexican imports …
Statistically Speaking: Data Supports Mexican Imports’ Impact on Florida
Florida producers have been protesting Mexican imports and the devastating impact they’re having on market prices for years. But just how bad have imports from Mexico been in several key commodities? University of Florida Associate Professor Zhengfei Guan describes in a webinar how much imports have risen in the last two decades. Strawberries “In 2000, strawberry imports from Mexico were …
Florida Vegetable Producer: I See it Ending
Another vegetable season means another chance for Mexican imports to deflate market prices. For one Florida producer, the consistent supply of imported cucumbers and squash could lead to an unexpected early retirement. “We cannot make a move without checking to see what Mexico’s doing first. It’s very disheartening for a man that was charged by God to feed the world,” …
Uphill Battle: Florida Strawberry Producers Challenged This Year
One of Florida’s most challenging strawberry seasons is nearing the homestretch of its 2020-21 season. Between insects, Neopestalotiopsis disease and rising imports from Mexico, strawberry farmers have faced an uphill battle all season, says Dustin Grooms, strawberry producer with Fancy Farms in Plant City, Florida. “Things have been challenging this year. It’s been a tough year. The volume was off …