FRESH PRODUCE ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS

Support of renewal of the US Mexico Canada Agreement. The importance of trade for U.S. businesses and jobs. Discussion of FPAA comments to the US Trade Representative on the USMCA. Raising awareness about the possible negative impacts of tariffs and duties on U.S. companies and consumers. Provide feedback on the Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act, a bill that would impact the size of allowable importers of record, the types of entities, and more. Providing information to the U.S. International Trade Commission on the Change of Circumstance Review for fresh tomatoes. The importance of trade for U.S. agriculture.

Need for increased staffing, funding, and non-intrusive inspection equipment for Department Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations port of entry functions. The need to retrofit existing ports of entry with enclosed, refrigerated dock spaces to perform inspections of perishable commodities.

Increased CBP staffing to protect perishable agriculture trade items. The importance of the US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA)for companies in the agriculture industry. The importance of many of the functions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for U.S. companies, and the need to maintain those services and functions within USDA in any reorganization efforts. Discussions on improving the U.S. Grade Standard for Table Grapes.

The importance of increased collaboration of food safety authorities among the USMCA countries to strengthen and align food safety efforts under the USMCA. The importance of increased collaboration for phtyosanitary measures across North America to ensure the protection of the North American food supply.