US: State's, region's growers say study predicting $5 per pound tomatoes is flawed

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas predicted that in a recent study. The Nogales, Ariz.-based importers group warned of the "tomato cliff" if the U.S. Department of Commerce terminates a fresh tomato import trade agreement with Mexico at the request of Florida tomato growers.

In a late-January conference call with reporters, the association said if Mexican tomatoes are withdrawn from the U.S. market, prices for some hothouse tomatoes would double from $2.50 a pound to nearly $5 a pound.

Not so, responded growers from the state and Southwest Florida, where about 18,500 acres of tomatoes are grown in Southwest Florida. The tomato production in Southwest Florida is valued at $350 million a year.

Reggie Brown, executive director of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said the study is based on too many assumptions.

"It's simply a case of scare tactics by the Mexicans and import industry allied with the Mexicans," Brown said. "Now, they are trying to terrify the public and it's just unfortunate."

Likewise, the Florida Tomato Exchange disputed the study.

"A recent study citing exaggerated price increases if the U.S. terminates an existing trade agreement with Mexico is built on the false premise that all Mexican tomatoes will be excluded from the U.S. market — under no circumstances will this be true," said Edward Beckman, president of Certified Greenhouse Farmers, in a statement.

"In fact, Certified Greenhouse Farmers believes there is room for all types of growers, and is advocating not to restrict trade, but rather to promote fair trade practices for all growers," he said. "What's more, growers from Certified Greenhouse Farmers — whose livelihoods are at risk due to impacts of the current agreement — believe there are a myriad of issues that need to be addressed beyond price."

Gene McAvoy, a Southwest Florida-based multi-county vegetable agent with the University of Florida/IFAS, said the report just creates fear and confusion for consumers.

"I don't think anybody wants them (Mexican growers) to withdraw," McAvoy said.

Instead, he said, Florida growers want Mexican growers to sell their tomatoes at a fair price were everyone can make a fair living, including the Florida farmers.

Florida produces much of the nation's winter tomatoes. Mexico is the largest competition for vegetable growers in the United States, while Brazil is the largest competition for the citrus industry.

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