FLORIDA FARMERS INC.
“ A STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL”

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

United States foreign policy is the result of dynamic economic pressure tempered by the world and domestic political considerations as well as national security priorities. Linkage of diverse policy objectives is often necessary to achieve long term national goals. But this linkage must represent a realistic appraisal of the world situation and the rights of domestic interests.

The Mexican winter vegetable controversy, rightly or not, has become an element United States foreign policy consideration. Apparently, the rights of domestic winter vegetable farmers can be overlooked in the search for energy security and strong inter-American relations. What cannot be overlooked are the basic issues involved and their long-term impact of the United States economy.

If concessions of trade rights in one area can ensure favorable negotiations in other more important sectors of international commerce, a trade-off may be justified. But if those concessions yield no fairer treatment or no more realistic negotiating stance, then the trade-off was merely a giveaway. And if as a result a basic and essential domestic industry is sacrificed, that is a tragedy

The Florida winter vegetable farmers expect a fair deal from the U.S government and an opportunity to compete in the market place. And this opportunity to compete does not require a loosening of standards or an increase in retail prices. All that is required is the application of conditions on imported goods that already apply to Unite States-grown vegetables. And a just application of the laws against unfair trade practices by foreign interest, primarily the Antidumping Act.