The Interview:
State’s growers seek fairness in NAFTA redo.
Thanks to Florida, fruits and vegetables are available year-round in U.S. grocery stores. No wonder, then, that when U.S. trade representatives sit down with their Canadian and Mexican counterparts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Sunshine State’s fruit and vegetable growers are wary. While much of the U.S. agriculture industry has advocated — and benefited — from NAFTA, Florida’s a different story. To find out why, the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board sought out Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.
Q: U.S. tomato consumption is up, but domestic production has fallen. Strawberry imports from Mexico have surged. What effect has NAFTA had on fruit and vegetable farms in Florida? A: Since NAFTA’s passage in the 1990s, we’ve seen a steady decline in both the acreage and production value of Florida’s iconic winter vegetable crops such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, squash and eggplant. The pace of that decline has increased significantly over the past five to 10 years as the Mexican government has provided subsidies for its farmers to grow produce for the U.S. marketplace. Multi-generational family farms in Florida have been shuttered as a result. And once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
Q: Why should Florida consumers buy “homegrown” vegetables and fruit instead of Mexican imports? A: There are a number of reasons. For one, Florida farmers grow the finest fruits and vegetables on the planet. We’re very proud of our sustainable production practices and our food-safety initiatives. Second, there are food-security considerations. In the winter months, we are virtually the sole source of domestic production for many of our major crops. If Florida production goes away, consumers in Florida and throughout the United States will be totally dependent on imports during that time of year. Finally, supporting local farmers just makes good economic sense for our state, rural communities and jobs.
Q: U.S. exports of corn, soybeans and wheat have increased under NAFTA. Does that pit Florida against Midwestern states in the Grain Belt in negotiations? A: It really shouldn’t be an issue. But unfortunately, some groups are concerned that anything done to ensure Florida farmers are treated fairly under NAFTA will be used against their exports to Mexico. We understand their plea to the Trump administration that they “do no harm” to U.S. agricultural exports during the NAFTA negotiations. However, our farmers have been harmed for the past 20 years by unfair trade practices under the current agreement. It’s time to level the playing field.
Q: What Florida-specific issues do you want the U.S. to address? A: Florida fruit and vegetable producers support free trade, but only if it’s played by the rules. They can’t compete against imported product that is “dumped” in the U.S. market at less than fair value, or against product that is unfairly subsidized. We need an effective solution to this problem.
Q: In a perfect world, what would be best for Florida farmers after NAFTA is renegotiated? A: An opportunity to successfully compete in our own domestic market, and to continue to provide Florida and American consumers with high-quality, nutritious fruits and vegetables.