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  • Auburn Economist: 301 Investigation Could Spark Retaliation From Mexico

    Adam Rabinowitz

    Georgia and Florida vegetable and specialty crop farmers are calling for a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices regarding Mexican imports.

    But Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension economist Adam Rabinowitz is concerned about the potential ramifications that could loom as a result.

    Section 301

    According to the International Trade Administration, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 provides the United States with the authority to enforce trade agreements, resolve trade disputes, and open foreign markets to U.S. goods and services.

    Rabinowitz said an investigation could lead to the U.S. imposing trade sanctions such as tariffs which would increase prices of inexpensive Mexican imports, in particular the fruit and vegetable crops. These are difficult for Southeast producers to compete against and were reasons that virtual hearings were necessary for the past two weeks with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.

    Adam Rabinowitz

    “We’ve seen the U.S. use this method against other countries for other industries. Representative (Robert) Lighthizer seems to be listening to the concerns. The one potential challenge may come from how Mexico may retaliate against any tariffs in that form,” Rabinowitz said. “There are concerns of other vegetable growers out west, there could be retaliation against some of their products that are flowing down into Mexico.

    “I think there will be further investigation in this. I think things will be heard. It’s just a question or not 301 will be used to actually apply some tariffs or if there could be some other type of resolution through a side agreement with the Mexican government that may address some of those concerns.”

    Virtual Hearings

    Georgia farmers and industry leaders voiced their concerns on Thursday, Aug. 20 and Florida producers testified on Aug. 13. The hearings were established to provide the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and United States Department of Agriculture an opportunity to hear from growers in both states about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade, specifically with Mexican imports.

    All who testified were consistent in their concerns about two main issues that are in Mexico’s advantage: government subsidies to Mexican producers and inexpensive labor.

    “If those could be addressed outside of tariffs, that could be a potential solution. Otherwise, you start getting into some of the trade disputes that raise some other issues,” Rabinowitz said.

  • Virtual Citrus Expo and VSC Expo See Great Success

    For nearly three decades, Citrus Expo has been the premier event that growers turn to for the latest information and products to run a successful operation. Although the annual in-person event took a hiatus this year to ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual event saw tremendous success.

    “In these unprecedented times, it was important for us to find ways to still provide growers with the education they need,” says Robin Loftin, president of AgNet Media. “That’s what this industry is all about, continuing to adapt to challenges as they come and finding ways to overcome them.”  

    During the virtual two-day event that took place Aug. 19-20, over 1,100 participants logged into the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop (VSC) Expo to view the educational seminar programs and interact with vendors and event sponsors.

    “We are extremely thrilled with this year’s turnout,” says Event Manager Josh McGill. “Despite the current situation, we were still able to provide a dynamic show packed with useful resources for the industry.”

    McGill notes that by holding the event virtually, it reached its broadest audience ever. Attendees logged into the Expos from 31 different countries.
    AgNet Media’s enthusiasm about the virtual event was also met by industry members.

    “Congratulations on a fantastic virtual Citrus/VSC Expo. Very well organized and executed! I sure did miss the opportunity to meet and network with others, but since that wasn’t possible, you made the most of it by offering an event that shared timely and valuable information,” said Debra Fitzgerald, market intelligence analyst for ISK Biosciences.

    Cacee Hilliard, Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES program coordinator, also offered words of gratitude regarding the event.

    “I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work putting on a virtual Citrus Expo! I am so pleased with how our sponsorship has been used. I feel attendees will easily see and access our information,” she says.

    For those who were not able to tune into the event, the general session, citrus, and VSC seminar programs and accompanying continuing education units will be available through the end of the year on CitrusExpo.net.
    The Citrus Expo and VSC Expo team sincerely appreciates the participation of attendees and seminar speakers. A big thank you also goes to the sponsors and exhibitors who invested in the Expos. The annual event cannot happen without their continued support.

    Furthermore, the Expo team appreciates the resiliency and passion found in Florida’s agriculture industry. Although it’s been a year unlike any other, growers continue to stand tall and provide for the world amid challenging times.

    The 2021 Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo are set to take place Aug. 18–19 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. We hope to see you there!

  • Georgia Ag Leaders Call for Healthy, Fair Trade

    Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black

    Georgia producers and industry leaders had their turn to testify on Thursday during a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office about unfair trade practices with Mexico. The hearings provided the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from growers in Georgia about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade.

    This was the second virtual hearing following the one on Aug. 13 involving Florida farmers.

    Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black believes a fair, healthy trade agreement is what is needed.

    Gary Black

    What is Needed?

    Farmers discussed trade practices about various produce such as blueberries, pecans, blackberries and cucumbers and how the future of the American farmer is at stake. Most farmers called for a 301 investigation into Mexico.

    Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Economist, explained that a 301 Investigation is part of the Trade Act of 1974 and allows the U.S. to engage in trade activity, whether it be trade agreements but also resolving trade disputes. The idea was that the U.S. could access foreign markets but also that domestic markets were not impacted.

    An investigation could lead to the U.S. imposing trade sanctions such as tariffs which would increase prices of inexpensive Mexican imports, in particular the fruit and vegetable crops, that are difficult for Southeast producers to compete against and were reasons that hearings were necessary in the first place.

    The list of speakers included Congressmen Austin Scott (GA-08) and Buddy Carter (GA-01); Georgia Ag Commissioner Gary Black; Gerald Long, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; as well as various farmers, including Russ Goodman (Cogdell Berry Farm), Sam Watson (Chill C Farms) and Bill Brim (Lewis Taylor Farms, Inc.).

  • Wait Until Mid-September to Plant Turnip, Mustard Greens in Alabama

    While the normal time to plant turnip and mustard greens is now, Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, advises farmers and homeowners to wait a few weeks so temperatures can cool off.

    During a webinar on Aug. 19 that can be accessed on the Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture Facebook page, Kemble said growers typically plant both greens in August through October, but high temperatures can impact stand establishment if planted too early.

    “I will say with the temperatures where they are right now, I’m going to want to hold off probably until mid-September before I start actually sewing these. Unfortunately, one of the issues you run into with cole crops is there can be an inhibition of the seed to germinate well when the soil temperatures are very hot. When the soil temperatures are above 85 or so they can really affect your stand establishment,” Kemble said. “My tendency is to wait for things to cool off a little bit. It doesn’t mean you can’t do it but what normally happens is you just don’t get a very good stand compared to what you would normally get under cooler soil conditions.”

    Kemble reminds growers that when they begin planting their fall crop, yields are better if planted in rows. The greens attract fewer disease issues and it produces a more uniform crop.

    Top mustard green varieties include Florida Broadleaf, Green Way, Savannah, Southern Giant and Red Giant (red-leaf type). Top turnip greens include Alamo, All Top, Just Right, Purple Top White Globe, Seven Top, Shogoin, Southern Green, Top Star, Topper and Tokyo Cross.

  • Florida Farmers Call for 301 Investigation Into Mexico Trade Practices

    rubio
    Unfair trade practices regarding Mexican imports is a key reason for hearings the last two weeks with Florida and Georgia farmers and industry leaders.

    Frustrated Florida vegetable and specialty crop farmers are calling for a 301 investigation into unfair trade practices concerning Mexican imports.

    Dustin Grooms, a fourth-generation farmer in Plant City, Florida, made his case while testifying in a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office on Aug. 13.

    “It goes back to what all the other growers are saying, at this time, I think we need to move forward with the 301 and start there and see where it leads to; see what happens and we can build upon that and get to a solution,” Grooms said.

    What is a 301 Investigation?

    Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University as Assistant Professor and Extension Economist, explained that a 301 Investigation is part of the Trade Act of 1974 and allows the U.S. to engage in trade activity, whether it be trade agreements but also resolving trade disputes. The idea was that the U.S. could access foreign markets but also that domestic markets were not impacted.

    An investigation could lead to the U.S. imposing trade sanctions such as tariffs which would increase prices of inexpensive Mexican imports, in particular the fruit and vegetable crops, that are difficult for Southeast producers to compete against and were reasons that hearings were necessary with Florida agriculture leaders and Georgia leaders on Aug. 20.

    Grooms said the impact Mexico has had on his strawberry operation led to a significant drop in acreage of 125 acres, down from 235.

    “Mexican imports have crippled our strawberry prices in Florida as well as other crops. This issue has continued for far too long without a solution. The seriousness of the seasonality issue has been recognized by Congress and the U.S. Government dating back to 2002 trade promotion authority legislation which instructed the U.S. Government to fix the problem,” Grooms said. “The same instruction was repeated in a 2015 TPA law and every administration over the past two decades has acknowledged the pressing need to get a solution in place. Yet, nearly 20 years later, farmers are still left defenseless against unfair Mexican trade practices.”

    Grooms’ farming operation, ‘Fancy Farms,’ has had to sell off land to pay bills and have money to farm the following year. He made a passionate plea that change is needed and needed now.

    “The future of Florida agriculture is at a pivotal point in time. We need change to be able to continue our legacy of farming from one generation to another,” Grooms said. “We can grow all kinds of foods here in Florida if we’re given the chance. But with the Mexican imports looming over us, I’m afraid the future of Florida’s agriculture fate might be destined for failure.”

  • Collins Testifies on Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices During Virtual Hearing on Seasonal Produce

    Doug Collins

    Raises concern over Mexico’s unfair trade practices and its effect on Georgia farmers

    ATLANTA, Ga. – Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) testified today on Mexico’s unfair trade practices that are severely and negatively impacting Georgia’s seasonal and perishable produce farmers during a virtual hearing hosted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). The virtual hearing was held to allow stakeholders – including growers, producers, and farmers – an opportunity to continue conversations with USTR about how best to address unfair foreign trade practices.

    Last month, Collins and Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urging the Administration to protect Georgia farmers from Mexico’s unfair trade practices as it works to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    To read more about the hearing, click here.

    To watch Collins’ testimony, click here or on the image below.

    Remarks as prepared:

    Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to speak today about the important issues facing the seasonal and perishable produce industry in Georgia and throughout our country. Ambassador Lighthizer, Secretary Perdue, and Secretary Ross, thank you for having me today to share my views and concerns on behalf of Georgia’s agricultural industry.

    Before I begin my testimony, I want to commend the efforts of this Administration in coming together to achieve a momentous trade deal in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). There is no denying that that this historic trade deal will increase our global competitiveness, strengthen our economy, and support our farmers. I am grateful for these efforts and the outcome – I know that Georgians will appreciate the effects of this agreement on our economy and I appreciate the President and his Administration’s hard work to get America a better deal.

    Over the last several months, we have seen our nation’s farmers, growers, and producers struggle through the economic downturn wrought by the coronavirus pandemic. At the Federal level, it has been a priority of mine to safeguard the livelihoods of Georgia’s hardworking farmers who have never stopped working to put food on the tables of families across the country. This includes my work with this Administration to ensure the H-2A workforce many of Georgia’s growers depend on was not unnecessarily reduced. Unfortunately, the pandemic is unforgiving, but I will continue working with my colleagues in the Georgia delegation to make sure our farmers, growers, and producers are taken care of.

    Unfortunately, Georgia’s growers and producers of seasonal and perishable goods continue to face a threat outside of the coronavirus, and that threat must be highlighted and addressed at the Federal level. Over the past several years, the agricultural market for seasonal and perishable goods has seen a growing saturation of Mexican products as a result of that country’s unfair trade practices. It is my hope that this hearing is the Administration’s first step in addressing this unfair trade dynamic.

    As you may know, Mexico’s increased market share of produce and perishable goods at record-low prices in the United States has severely and negatively impacted the Southeast’s seasonal and perishable produce farmers. To provide an example of one commodity that has been disastrously struck by Mexico’s practices – Mexico’s share of the U.S. blueberry market has gone up by 2,111% over the last ten years. Such an increase obviously shuts out growers of one of Georgia’s top commodities, blueberries, and deprives Georgia and the country of the benefits a thriving, American-majority blueberry market could have on my state’s economy and the national economy as a whole.

    Why has Mexico obtained such a massive stake in our produce market? Because the government of Mexico began to subsidize the development of Mexico’s produce industry. These subsidies have operated to distort trade and, coupled with Mexico’s unfair pricing practices, have resulted in Mexico obtaining an undeniable advantage in the U.S. market. This has continued to happen over the last decade at the expense of our growers.

    While the USMCA will make great advancements in trade for many industries across the country, recent studies indicate that – even with the full implementation of USMCA – Georgia stands to lose nearly $1 billion in annual economic output in the grower industry. The same study shows that industry could lose over 8,000 jobs. It goes without saying what this could mean for many of the families that I represent who depend on the paychecks they receive from growing and producing. The outlook is grim and these consequences would be devastating.

    For many growers, the consequences of continuing to allow Mexico to get away with its trade-distorting practices will be Earth-shattering. In Georgia, we are lucky to have a growing economy made of many smaller growers that produce a diverse portfolio of commodities. For these small growers, it is up to us – Federal officials in the legislative and Executive branches – to work together to make sure their voices are heard, and their needs met.

    I am committed to finding a solution to this issue and I hope that the USTR, USDA, and Department of Commerce will work with my office to ensure Georgia’s farmers, growers, and producers are no longer negatively impacted by Mexico’s unfair trade practices and that we can regain control of the U.S. seasonal and perishable goods market.

    I’d like to echo the testimony of Georgia’s stakeholders in requesting that a Section 301 investigation be undertaken so that the Executive Branch can wield its full power in addressing Mexico’s trade practices – including its use of subsidy programs. I stand ready to support such an investigation in any way that I can.

    With the country in the early months of USMCA’s implementation, I am glad to see that USTR is continuing its conversations with Georgia farmers and I am hopeful that we can come together and find a solution before Georgia’s growers face more needless economic damage.

    Thank you again for having me today and I look forward to working with each of you on this important issue.

  • Georgia Farmers Testify About Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices

    Georgia farmers and industry leaders testified on Thursday in virtual hearings with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office regarding unfair trade practices with Mexico. Each producer shared similar thoughts that some action must be taken, such as a 301 Investigation, because the future of the American farmer is at stake.

    The hearings provided the U.S. Department of Commerce and Trump Administration an opportunity to hear from growers in Georgia about the urgent need for federal action regarding unfair trade.

    Steve McMillan, with Southern Grace Farms in Berrien County, Georgia, talked about the impact Mexican imports have had on the blackberry industry.

    Steve McMillan

    Richard Minor with Minor Brothers Farm in Americus, Georgia, talked about the impact Mexico has had on the cucumber industry.

    Richard Minor

    Bill Brim, co-owner of Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, Georgia, talked about how government subsidies have aided Mexican farmers.

    Bill Brim

    Adam Rabinowitz, Auburn University as Assistant Professor and Extension Economist, explained that a 301 Investigation is part of the Trade Act of 1974 and allows the U.S. to engage in trade activity, whether it be trade agreements but also resolving trade disputes.

  • Commissioner Black Testifies About Impact of Mexican Trade on Pecans

    Gary Black

    Georgia Ag Commissioner Gary Black testified on Thursday in a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office regarding unfair trade practices with Mexico.

    Black testified about the impact of Mexican imports have had on trade health. He specifically mentioned pecans and the impact on Georgia growers.

  • Congressman Scott Testifies in Virtual Hearing

    Austin Scott

    U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) testified on Thursday during a virtual hearing with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office regarding unfair trade practices with Mexico.

    Scott focused on the importance of the country’s ability to feed itself.

  • UF/IFAS scientist named fellow of American Phytopathological Society

    Natalia Peres

    By: Brad Buck, 813-757-2224 (office); 352-875-2641 (cell); bradbuck@ufl.edu

    Working at her lab and fields at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Natalia Peres diagnoses and helps manage diseases that might otherwise ruin strawberries, a $300 million per year crop in Florida.

    In her efforts to beat back diseases, Peres helped develop the Strawberry Advisory System, which tells farmers when to spray fungicides on their crop to help them control botrytis and prevent anthracnose. Additionally, she’s participating in a collaborative effort with Cornell University – another land-grant institution — to use UV light to suppress strawberry pathogens.

    Now, Peres has been named a fellow of the American Phytopathological Society (APS).

    The APS grants the fellow honor in recognition of distinguished contributions to plant pathology or to the society. Fellow recognition is based on significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: original research, teaching, administration, professional and public service, and/or Extension and outreach.

    “It is a tremendous honor to be among a select group of peers whom I greatly admire within the American Phytopathological Society,” said Peres, a UF/IFAS plant pathology professor. “I could not be happier with the recognition, and I am very thankful for the support I have always had from GCREC, the department of plant pathology and the strawberry growers.”

    Peres always liked biology, but she wanted to apply her knowledge to food production. In fact, she didn’t gravitate toward plant pathology until she was in college in Brazil.

    “During my doctoral program, I was working on a research project with a disease (post-bloom fruit drop) in citrus that was relatively new in Brazil, and there was not a lot of local information,” she said.

    Pete Timmer, then a professor at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, was then the expert on post-bloom fruit drop, so Peres came to UF to do part of her Ph.D. research with Timmer.

    “Working with him as a mentor completely changed my career and life path,” said Peres. “I am forever thankful for his mentorship and try to be the same model for my students as he was for me.”

    David Gadoury, a senior research associate at Cornell University, nominated Peres for the honor. She’s worked with Gadoury for many years. In fact, he urged Peres to participate in the UV light research project.

    “Peres is a superbly gifted and dedicated mentor of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate researchers,” Gadoury said in his nomination letter. “She has produced a generation of skilled and broadly trained researchers and crop advisors. Her commitment to mentor international students and postgraduate researchers is particularly notable.”

    Peres has advised 27 undergraduate and 10 graduate and postgraduate researchers in her program since 2010. During the same period, her students received 24 awards from the APS Foundation, the University of Florida, and others, in recognition of their research and Extension achievements.

    She earned all three of her degrees at Sao Paulo State University in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Peres’ bachelor’s degree is in agronomy and crop sciences, her master’s in horticultural sciences and her Ph.D. in plant pathology.

    Peres came to GCREC as an assistant professor in 2004. She was promoted to associate professor in 2010 and made full professor in 2016. In that time, she has published 140 peer-reviewed journal articles.

    Jack Rechcigl, director of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, and Peres’ on-site supervisor, said the center is fortunate and proud to have Peres as a faculty member.

    “Her passion, energy and enthusiasm for her vocation has led her to become a world-renown pathologist who is recognized for her outstanding scientific contributions to the strawberry industry,” Rechcigl said. “Her productivity is boundless.”

    Rose Loria, chair of the UF/IFAS plant pathology department and Peres’ supervisor in Gainesville, also lauded Peres.

    “Natalia is dedicated to the strawberry growers she serves. Her ability to find innovative solutions to new disease problems or improve production practices to reduce inputs is outstanding – and she does this over and over,” Loria said. “I credit her collaborative style and her inherent creativity.”