FPAA says ending TSA will harm U.S. consumers and businesses

JULY 14, 2025 — The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) BB #:144354 is disappointed the Department of Commerce has terminated the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA).

The agreement has been an important tool in protecting over 50,000 American jobs and creating stability in the marketplace.

Many entities appealed for the signature of a new or revised Tomato Suspension Agreement.

FPAA would like to acknowledge the efforts of our members, their growers, and the following:

• The Bilateral and Bicameral U.S. Congressional Delegation, which wrote letters advocating for a continuation of the TSA.
• Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, which supported a resolution in favor of keeping the TSA.
• Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, who has visited with FPAA and made public pronouncements in support of the agreement.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the many other national and regional economic development groups who recognized the importance of keeping a working agreement.

It is our understanding that the Mexican growers and the Mexican government have been negotiating with the Department of Commerce to improve an already-effective agreement. Despite the fact that the agreement has been terminated, our hope is that the Administration continues to work in good faith to negotiate a new agreement.

As the U.S. importers and distributors of vine-ripened, greenhouse-grown tomatoes from Mexico, our members are proud of the work they do to bring consumers the fresh, flavorful varieties of tomatoes that they demand.

The fresh, flavorful tomatoes distributed by members of the FPAA fulfill a major role that is not replaceable by domestic production, much of which from Florida and the Southeast remains open field-grown round tomatoes that are picked green and gassed to induce a change in color.

As an industry, we are saddened that American consumers will have to pay a tomato tax, or duty, for a reduced selection of the tomatoes they prefer, such as tomatoes on the vine, grape tomatoes, romas, cocktail tomatoes and other specialty varieties.  In fact, according to analysts, the top categories are grape, specialty and vine-ripened tomatoes.

Despite the uncertainty caused by this action, the members of the FPAA will continue to innovate and bring better-tasting, nutritious, vine-ripened tomato varieties that drive sales in their stores and restaurants, and which American consumers have shown they prefer over mature-green field-grown tomatoes.

About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability by serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in marketing, importing, and distributing fresh produce.

Contact:

Lance Jungmeyer (lance@freshfrommexico.com) or 

Allison Moore (amoore@freshfrommexico.com)