Imports from Mexico Continue Pressure on U.S. Tomato Growers

Tomato imports from Mexico have increased by 60% in the last decade and that trend is projected to continue, according to a recent University of Florida study. Should these projections be realized, the increased exports have the potential to cost U.S. vegetables producers $253 million annually, or 27% in profits. U.S. farmers grew 1.3 billion pounds of fresh tomatoes last year, less than a third of the 2000 harvest. The influx in tomato imports has reduced market share for U.S. producers, particularly in Florida which boasts $400 million in sales and shares the same growing season as Mexico. However, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas says that data may be misleading, and that automation and other climate-smart practices could be the shot in the arm the U.S. tomato industry needs. Read more on tomato imports here.