Where Growers Hurt by Unfair Foreign Trade Can Speak out
March 16, 2020 [UPDATED March 18, 2020] While the U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA) was heralded by many U.S. ag groups, specialty crop growers in the Southeast U.S. see no market relief in the new trade pact. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), USDA, and the United States Department of Commerce were scheduled to hold public field hearings in Plant City, FL, and Valdosta, GA, on April 7 and April 9 to discuss foreign trade policies that may be harming American growers of seasonal and perishable produce. However, due to COVID-19 circumstances, the USTR has postponed the hearings and will reschedule at a later date.
At the hearings, officials from the government agencies will hear from interested persons on how the Trump Administration can support these producers and address any unfair harm.
For instructions on how to participate in the hearings and submit written materials, click here.
According to a statement from USTR, the original deadline for written submissions (March 26, 2020) has been waived. The public docket will remain open and will accept written submissions during this period of postponement, and new submission deadlines will be announced in connection with the announcement of new hearing dates.
