Because international trade is critical to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s (R-FL) home state, where exports and imports support 2.5 million jobs, the congressman recently sponsored a bipartisan bill to help fruit and vegetable growers in Florida fight unfair trade practices.
“Illegal seasonal dumping and unfair Mexican trade practices are crippling Florida’s fruit and vegetable growers,” Rep. Buchanan said. “It’s time to level the playing field and protect hardworking Florida farmers and our vital produce industry.”
Rep. Buchanan on Jan. 26 sponsored the Defending Domestic Produce Production Act of 2023, H.R. 545, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) to give seasonal fruit and vegetable growers the ability to petition the federal government and get relief from unabated foreign imports.
Under current law, only growers who can demonstrate a nationwide, year-round impact of unfair trade practices can seek relief from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, leaving seasonal, regional growers with nowhere to turn, according to information provided by Rep. Buchanan’s office.
“As Florida growers face significant economic losses, it is crucial for us to stand with them and work to find solutions,” said Rep. Soto. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Buchanan on this legislation to help our farmers get relief.”
Companion legislation, the same-named S. 104, also was introduced on Jan. 26 by U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) to provide for the treatment of core seasonal industries affected by antidumping or countervailing duty investigations, according to the bill’s text.
The bill is supported by the Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.