Some Alabama farmers are celebrating President Donald Trump's decision to end the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement and slap a 17% tariff on most fresh Mexican tomatoes.
"The termination of this deal is long overdue and gives our family farms a real chance to thrive again," said Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) executive director Blake Thaxton. "Our growers are committed to producing Sweet Grown Alabama tomatoes for our communities — and now they can do so on an even playing field."
Famed tomato-growing farm on Chandler Mountain in St. Clair County, Smith Tomato, has already seen the benefits of the changes.
Many buyers have already contacted us and other nearby farms for interest in future business," said Chad Smith, farm owner and AFVGA board member. "This tariff is a lifesaver to many farmers who have much higher costs and restrictions than our neighboring countries. We all have implemented the best agricultural practices and safest methods of growing tomatoes and have invested to only be undercut and pushed out of business by foreign tomatoes."
Smith said he hopes the changes will also inspire young people to start their own farms, allowing the Unites States to continue producing and sustaining its own food.
