Food for Thought: America’s 250 milestone and cross-border trade

Celebrating America’s semiquincentennial—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—makes my heart swell with patriotism. It’s a milestone that invites us to reflect on the foundations of our nation.

For me, that reflection always circles back to two profound truths I’ve learned through my journey: agriculture is the foundation of freedom, and moms can change the world from our kitchen tables.

My personal fire for patriotism was lit during a college semester abroad in Cuba. Returning home at 22 years old, I gained a renewed appreciation for the freedoms we often take for granted.

My experience in communist Cuba is underscored through my entrepreneurial journey at The Produce Moms. Even when I’m in the bootstrapping trenches, it’s my American Dream.

Through The Produce Moms (TPM), I’ve visited over 200 farms across this great country, stepped into nearly 100 school lunchrooms, collaborated with major grocers, appeared on national television, served on boards, spoken before audiences nationwide, met with government officials, and even visited the White House.

Each experience reinforced that American agriculture isn’t just about food—it’s about liberty, innovation, resilience, and community. That’s why TPM is proudly celebrating America 250 through meaningful initiatives that honor our agricultural heritage and address today’s challenges.

American agriculture isn’t just about food—it’s about liberty, innovation, resilience, and community.

Central to these efforts is the launch of our 50 States of Agriculture content series. This campaign showcases the unique stories, farmers, crops, and innovations from every state, highlighting how agriculture unites us as a nation.

And this isn’t just about produce, 50 States of Agriculture is a celebration of U.S. culture and the hardworking farmers who feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and the world.

Complementing this is our partnership with the EPA’s Feed It Onward initiative, part of the broader Freedom 250 celebrations. Feed It Onward spotlights efforts to reduce food waste, connect surplus fresh produce with communities in need, and strengthen food security.

As an official educational partner, TPM leverages our platforms to share action-oriented tips to reduce food waste at the household level.

This aligns perfectly with our industry’s quest to drive consumption and is timely, as shoppers everywhere are looking for ways to stretch their food budget. We can drive affinity for our products by championing practical tips on selecting, storing, and serving produce.

Amidst all of this, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is under review. July 1 marked a pivotal moment as the United States declined to renew the agreement in its current form, initiating a review period.

For the fresh produce industry, this review carries immense weight. Empowering farmer profitability while keeping produce affordable for consumers can sometimes feel like opposing goals.

Empowering farmer profitability while keeping produce affordable for consumers can sometimes feel like opposing goals.

We know that even with full domestic production, the U.S. relies on imports to meet demand. Recent shifts, like rising tomato prices amid “tomatoflation” highlight unintended consequences of trade adjustments.

With roughly 90 percent of Americans not eating recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, we must ask: what’s the ceiling for retail prices on items consumers already deprioritize?

Disruptions risk higher costs that could further limit access to the very fresh produce our families need for health and vitality.

Let’s champion policies that strengthen U.S. agriculture as a whole—protecting domestic growers and American jobs, ensuring stable supply chains, and keeping nutritious food within reach.

True freedom includes the ability to fill kitchens with affordable, high-quality, and safe produce. The conversations happening now around USMCA will shape that reality for years to come.

I’m eager for balanced outcomes that honor our shared agricultural heritage and secure a prosperous future for all. Here’s to 250 years of freedom—and many more nourished by the hands of our farmers.