The United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced that they will not “initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act” in the interests of food safety and US consumers. Act.” Against the Importation of Fruits and Vegetables of Mexican Origin”.

In this regard, the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) pointed to the efforts of the Ministries of Economy and External Relations to protect the rights of Mexican farmers under the agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC). . In a statement, the department said Florida state representatives had asked Congress to open an investigation under Section 301.

“This decision provides security for the supply of fruits and vegetables to the U.S. market, particularly in the fall and winter.” According to Sauder, Mexican fruit and vegetable exports to the United States last year totaled 11 million tons, valued at more than $16 billion.

The ministry added that D-MEC has maximized each country’s comparative advantage and helped build resilient supply chains that complement the three countries’ agri-food sectors and provide North American residents access to nutritious, safe and high-quality fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. Affordable throughout the year.

In times of global inflationary pressures, Sauder warned, it is necessary to avoid disturbances that could affect this balance, limiting food supplies and raising food prices. “In the current climate of rapidly rising food prices, the joint efforts of Mexico and the United States to ensure nutritious food and ensure the safety of the most vulnerable populations are even more important for public health.”

Source: gob.mx