There's no question that Mexico had no scientific basis for excluding U.S. cherries. This is important because, in this instance at least, the system seems to have worked.
Exports are, after all, the future of American agriculture.
Our farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone in the world, as long as they're given a fair shake in foreign markets. Mexico first closed its market to U.S. cherries in 1991, citing concerns about two pests - the apple maggot and plum curculio. Even after the panel's decision, Mexico continued to insist that fumigation was necessary to adequately protect against the pests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that Mexican market access will result in several million dollars of increased revenue for U.S. cherry growers. Smith represents Oregon's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.