Florida Senator Rick Scott, on Tuesday, commended a decision made by President Trump and the Department of Commerce to terminate the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement between the United States and Mexico.
Scott characterized the move as a “long-overdue win for American agriculture” and praised it as evidence of President Trump’s dedication to prioritizing U.S. farmers.
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For years, Scott has been a vocal opponent of the agreement, arguing that it inadequately protected American tomato growers from unfair competition.
He contended that the pact allowed Mexican tomato exports, allegedly produced under problematic labor conditions, to flood the U.S. market at artificially low prices, making it difficult for domestic producers, particularly those in Florida, to compete effectively.
“This is great news for American growers and producers,” Senator Scott stated. “I’m grateful President Trump and Secretary Lutnick are heeding my call to stand for American growers by terminating this failed agreement.”
The announcement comes after recent efforts by Senator Scott to influence trade policy, including a letter and a phone call with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
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During these communications, Scott urged the Secretary to take measures protecting American businesses and promoting fair trade practices. He thanked Secretary Lutnick for taking what he described as a critical step to safeguard American farmers.
“For years, I urged Biden’s Department of Commerce to end the Tomato Suspension Agreement and stand up for American agriculture,” Scott continued in his statement. “Today’s decision from President Trump’s administration is a major win for Florida farmers and growers across the country as they have suffered for years while the federal government allowed our markets to be flooded with artificially cheap tomatoes from Mexican producers grown with child and forced labor, making it impossible for local producers to compete. I’ve fought hard to protect American growers, and I’m proud to see the Trump administration’s Department of Commerce put America first and correct course by terminating this agreement.”
The termination of the agreement signals a potential shift in trade dynamics for tomato producers in both the U.S. and Mexico, with Senator Scott framing it as a necessary correction to support the domestic agricultural sector.
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