U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., the top Republican on the U.S. House Trade Subcommittee, is hopeful that the Trump administration will help agriculture in the Sunshine State.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer wrote Buchanan and U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., last week, promising the Trump administration will continue to attempt to protect American farmers from unfair trade practices, including from Mexican farmers. Lighthizer insisted he was “fully committed” and will “ensure a timely, effective U.S. Government response.”
Buchanan’s office noted agriculture “supports nearly 100,000 Florida jobs and has an economic impact of more than $12 billion a year in the Sunshine State” while the congressman weighed in on Monday.
“Florida farmers have been severely impacted by current unfair trade practices and mounting Mexican imports flooding our markets. I want to thank Ambassador Lighthizer and the administration for hearing our concerns and committing to working with us to protect Florida farmers,” Buchanan said.
Mike Joyner, the president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, praised Buchanan for his efforts.
“This commitment would not have been possible without Congressman Buchanan’s tireless efforts on behalf of Florida farmers over the past six months. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Buchanan and the administration and remain optimistic about resolving our industry’s concerns in an effective, timely manner,” Joyner said.
Joyner added he was “very pleased” at the “formal commitment from the administration to work with our industry to combat Mexico’s unfair trade practices to help level the playing field for Florida.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
