Although problems do exist for commodity farmers, the phasing out of trade restrictions is creating new and expanded market opportunities for U.S. horticultural farmers and exporters. Fresh produce makes up more than 40 percent of all U.S. horticultural sales to Canada and Mexico. Orange, apple, and grape are most popular. Tomato-based products have done very well, with salsa leading the pack. Mexico's climate allows its vegetable growers to compete directly with Florida growers.
Mexican growers can produce crops cheaper than their American counterparts.
In 1996, Florida filed a trade action with the federal government, complaining that Mexico was selling tomatoes to U.S. markets at below the cost of production. The U.S. negotiated a deal with Mexico allowing them to sell tomatoes in America only above a set price. The economics of agriculture are complex. Used under License. Because we don't think about future generations, they will never forget us.