Alabama tomato growers gain from the termination of the Mexico Tomato Agreement

Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Celebrate Decision on Tomato Imports

Members of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) view the recent federal move to terminate the US-Mexico Tomato Suspension agreement as a significant win. This comes after President Trump introduced a 17% tariff on most fresh Mexican tomatoes on July 14.

Blake Taxton, the AFVGA executive director, noted that Alabama farmers have been facing challenges competing against imports since the contract’s inception in the ’90s, which many considered unfair.

“The termination of this contract has been a long time coming, and now our family farm can really thrive again,” Taxton remarked. “Our growers are dedicated to cultivating high-quality Alabama tomatoes for our community, and this change gives us a fair shot.”

Chad Smith Farms, situated on Chandler Mountain in northeastern Alabama, has a reputation for its flavorful tomatoes. Smith mentioned that the recent tariffs on tomatoes imported from Mexico have already positively impacted his family operation, Smith Tomato.

“Several buyers have reached out to us and other local farms about potential business,” said Smith, who also serves on the AFVGA board. “This tariff is a crucial support for many farmers facing significantly higher costs and restrictions compared to our neighbors. We all use the best practices for agricultural safety and growing tomatoes, only to be undermined by imports.”

He also pointed out that this decision could influence younger farmers looking to start or continue their agricultural ventures.

“We need the ability to grow and secure our own food,” Smith stated. “We’ve seen too many American farms disappear while foreign produce floods our markets. Some argue this might raise prices for consumers, but that’s not entirely accurate. Alabama farmers typically earn less than 30% of the retail price per pound of tomatoes,” he added.

Destiny Allman Gladden, another AFVGA board member, echoed Smith’s sentiments.

“We’re part of a tight-knit community,” said Gladden, a farmer from Blount County. “The costs hit us hard, but it’s also about supporting other local businesses. My family runs Allman Farms & Orchards, and we hope to keep this going for the next generations.”