Florida feels free trade is not always fair

Securing fair, equitable trade terms that benefit all remains a high-stakes endeavor for Florida producers.

The highly politicized battle around the rescinded Tomato Suspension Agreement has spilled over to negotiation for NAFTA 2.0, otherwise known as the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Lisa Lochridge, director of public affairs for the Maitland-based Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), BB #:153753 explains producers in the Everglades State view the changes to these trade accords “differently than many other agricultural stakeholders,” a point driven home in much media coverage over the influx of fruits and vegetables from Mexico.

“Since NAFTA took effect—but especially in the past 15 to 20 years—the Mexican fruit and vegetable industry has carved out more and more of the U.S. market,” Lockridge states. “Year after year, Florida production has fallen in inverse proportion to increases in Mexican volume.”

Acreage devoted to fresh tomatoes has decreased by nearly a quarter over the last 14 years, but Florida still leads the United States in production. This is another reason the recognition and support provided by the Fresh From Florida program is so important.

“Staying competitive in the marketplace while the supply of foreign products is on the rise is imperative to safeguard the economic impact agriculture has on the state,” Lochridge said.

Amber Maloney, director of marketing for Wish Farms BB #:111764 in Plant City, agrees, echoing the same thoughts: “Growers need the marketing support more than ever to identify their products over imports,” she said. “It’s imperative to have a program like Fresh From Florida to protect the safety and security of our domestic food supply.”

This is a multi-part spotlight feature on Florida produce adapted from the October 2019 issue of Produce Blueprints.

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