FLORIDA FARMERS INC.
“ A STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL”

White House South
"Commerce among nations should be fair and equitable"
-Benjamin Franklin

Facts vs Fiction:

For sometime, the Mexican Lobby has disseminated misinformation about the Florida winter vegetable growers in an attempt to capture the remaining market share from Florida growers. Much of this information has consisted of mainly of half-truths and misconceptions; The following facts are intended to clarify these statements.
 

They Said:

1. Tens of thousands of jobs are at risk.

The Truth is:

1. Yes, there are jobs at risk. They are those of the Florida Farmers and their families as well as some 80,000 farm workers who no one seems to care about.

 

They Said:

2. Some in the Administration are now pressing for protectionist efforts for a handful of wealthy Florida Tomato growers


The Truth is:

2. This is not a tomato issue. It is a winter vegetable issue that involves the livelihood of 400 or 500 growers and their families who have been farming in Florida for generations. Also over 80,000 farm workers depend on these farmers for their jobs.
 

They Said:

3. The Florida growers want to restrict winter imports of Vine Ripe Tomatoes.

The Truth is:

3. Florida growers are not asking the U. S. Government to prohibit or restrict the importation of Mexican produce. They ask only that the government prevent a situation that promotes unfair competition. Our antidumping laws are still in existence and must be enforced by the U.S. Government.

 

They Said:

4. Florida growers want the entire U.S. Market for their "gas green tomatoes".

The Truth is:

4. Florida and Mexico have grown similar varieties of tomatoes for years. Some are picked at different maturity stages and that has been the only difference. Both, Florida and Mexican producers use ethylene gas to enhance the ripening process. However, recently, the Mexicans have been growing more of a genetically engineered variety and misleading the U.S. consumer into believing they are vine ripened tomatoes when, in fact, they are hard and crunchy with little taste because of the mutant (RIN) gene bred into the tomato. This genetically engineered tomato has an extended shelf life and lasts for weeks. However, it looses its taste.

 

They Said:

5. Country of Origin Labeling would cost $ 60 million per year

The Truth is:

5. This is a much exaggerated figure use by opponents and the retail chain stores. Florida has had such a law for 22 years. It cost less than $10 per store per month to enforce. Even if the $60 million figure was true, it would be less than one cent per American household per week.
 

They Said:

6. Country of Origin Labeling would violate WTO and most of our other trade agreements

The Truth is:

6. Over 30 of our trading partners, including Mexico and Canada require country of origin labeling. The EU has recently issued strict guidelines requiring country of origin labeling on imported meats and produce.