Texas government resolution supports greenhouse tomatoes, renegotiating tomato suspension agreement

SAN ANTONIO, TX — June 25, 2025 — In a strong show of support for cross-border agricultural trade and year-round food security, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Concurrent Resolution 108 (HCR 108), a bipartisan measure introduced by Representative Ryan Guillen.

The resolution recognizes the critical role that greenhouse-grown vine-ripe tomatoes and U.S.-Mexico agricultural collaboration play in sustaining Texas’ economy, workforce, and supply chains.

Importantly, HCR 108 encourages the U.S. Department of Commerce to renegotiate and modernize the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA) rather than terminate it— a move that would trigger 17.09% duties on imported tomatoes and significantly impact prices and availability nationwide.

“This resolution acknowledges what we in agriculture have always known,” says Skip Hulett, Chief Legal Officer at San Antonio-based NatureSweet BB #:152351. “Food connects people, strengthens economies, and depends on trusted partnerships. We applaud Governor Abbott and the Texas legislature for recognizing how essential cross-border collaboration is to sustainable agriculture, food access, and job creation.”

“This kind of leadership from Texas sets an example for the rest of the country,” added Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance. “Controlled environment growers in both the U.S. and Mexico are united in delivering high-quality, responsibly grown food to American consumers. Policies that support cooperation—not conflict—are essential to the future of fresh produce.”

Key Highlights of HCR 108:

• Recognizes the cultural and economic value of U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade
• Highlights vine-ripe, greenhouse-grown tomatoes as essential to cross-border supply chains
• Urges continued bilateral cooperation on food, trade, and agricultural policy

As the largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company and leading greenhouse tomato grower in North America, NatureSweet supports HCR 108 as a critical acknowledgment of the interdependence between U.S. and Mexican agriculture—and a call to protect the consumers and companies that rely on steady, high-quality supply of vine-ripe tomatoes year-round.

“Cross-border agricultural partnerships are essential to feeding families, supporting jobs, and maintaining a stable, affordable food supply,” Hulett added. “This resolution is a strong and timely step in recognizing the benefits to U.S. consumers and the U.S. agricultural industry of this trade agreement.  It demonstrates how vital the 2019 Suspension Agreement is, and how its termination—instead of renegotiation and modernization—would result in severe economic harm to numerous businesses and communities in Texas.”

About NatureSweet (NS Brands, Ltd.)

NatureSweet is the leading brand in snacking tomatoes and a trusted provider for greenhouse-grown vegetables. As the largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company and greenhouse grower in North America, it operates on more than 1,500 acres of greenhouse space, growing premium tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. The company’s team of nearly 10,000 associates ensures every product is handpicked at peak freshness, delivering exceptional quality and flavor to supermarkets across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Its mission is to transform the lives of agricultural workers in North America through a profitable business model that encourages other companies to replicate it. With a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, NatureSweet has earned B Corp, Fair Trade, and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.

Contact:

Lori Castillo

Vice-president of External Communications & Public Relations

NatureSweet®

loricastillo@naturesweet.com