APPENDIX
E
FLORIDA FRUIT AND VEGETABLE ASSOCIATION
POSITION STATEMENT
Florida
Fruit &
Vegetable Association
1. A diverse supply of winter vegetables is important for American consumers. However, the United States cannot permit imports to be dumped in the marketplace at prices that drive domestic growers out of business. Without a domestic winter vegetable industry, American consumers will be at the mercy of a single foreign supplier for their winter produce Mexico.
2. The U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Agriculture must work with Mexican officials to resolve this crisis. Government-to-government talks, supported by industry advisors from both countries, would provide an opportunity to find workable solutions. Otherwise, the over-supply of product and resulting low prices will continue to hurt growers in both countries.
3. Florida growers support legislation to amend Section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974. That amendment would allow the International Trade commission to recognize the seasonal nature of Florida´s tomato industry and provide relief from import surges. The Senate bill has passed; the House version is expected to go committee hearings soon.
4. Florida growers support Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford´s efforts to protect our state´s produce industry. He has launched a program to inspect all imported agricultural products for disease and pests; that program will also check for improperly labeled produce. Additionally, Commissioner Crawford has renewed efforts to enforce Florida´s country of origin labeling law for produce,
5. Consumers deserve to know where the produce they buy is produced. Virtually every other consumer product has that requirement. A national country of origin labeling law, similar to the one in effect in Florida, would help consumers make educated decisions about the food they purchase.
Vegetable Association
1. A diverse supply of winter vegetables is important for American consumers. However, the United States cannot permit imports to be dumped in the marketplace at prices that drive domestic growers out of business. Without a domestic winter vegetable industry, American consumers will be at the mercy of a single foreign supplier for their winter produce Mexico.
2. The U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Agriculture must work with Mexican officials to resolve this crisis. Government-to-government talks, supported by industry advisors from both countries, would provide an opportunity to find workable solutions. Otherwise, the over-supply of product and resulting low prices will continue to hurt growers in both countries.
3. Florida growers support legislation to amend Section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974. That amendment would allow the International Trade commission to recognize the seasonal nature of Florida´s tomato industry and provide relief from import surges. The Senate bill has passed; the House version is expected to go committee hearings soon.
4. Florida growers support Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford´s efforts to protect our state´s produce industry. He has launched a program to inspect all imported agricultural products for disease and pests; that program will also check for improperly labeled produce. Additionally, Commissioner Crawford has renewed efforts to enforce Florida´s country of origin labeling law for produce,
5. Consumers deserve to know where the produce they buy is produced. Virtually every other consumer product has that requirement. A national country of origin labeling law, similar to the one in effect in Florida, would help consumers make educated decisions about the food they purchase.