Introduction to the Crisis Facing Local Farmers
With tariff talks top of mind, South Florida farmers say they’re in trouble. Crops are rotting on the vine and they’re blaming the ongoing trade wars and immigration changes. What does this mean for the future of our food?
The Impact of Tariffs on Local Farmers
Perfectly good tomatoes are being plowed over — instead of picked. It’s a sad scene happening in South Florida. Heather Moehling, President of the Miami-Dade County Farm Bureau, understands the struggles that farmers are facing right now. She is part of the family that runs the Homestead produce stand, “Robert Is Here.” She says farmers used to get $16 for a box of tomatoes. It’s now down to $3-or-$4. Just a horrible price and some of that has been from what Mexico is bringing into the country and some of that has been just from the threat of the tariffs.
The Role of Tariffs in Wasted Crops
Farmers say President Trump’s tariffs and the threat of tariffs have caused thousands of acres of tomatoes to go to waste because the price to pick and pack them costs more than what the tomatoes are selling for this year. Tony Dimare, President of Dimare Homestead, says his company has experienced huge losses. He won’t disclose how much, but says South Florida farmers are hurting. The Mexican industry exported, in some cases, double and triple the daily volumes to beat being subject to the 25 percent tariff in February and March and the 10 percent tariffs in April. That just devastated our markets in the U.S.
Consequences of Immigration Changes
Those tariffs never went into effect. But the damage was done. When Mexico flooded the market with cheap tomatoes, local farmers couldn’t compete and didn’t even bother picking their fields. Now the U.S. government has plans to put an anti-dumping duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes starting in July to try and prevent that from happening again. And it’s not just tomatoes from Mexico that’s hurting our farmers. South Florida sends a lot of different produce to Canada, which puts a 25 percent tariff on our crops. Immigration changes are also taking a toll. Many pickers are afraid to go to work.
Fear Among Farm Workers
A Homestead farm worker, who agreed to talk if his identity was hidden, expressed the fear many workers have. “Many workers have left, others are leaving now.” He’s worried about being deported. “A lot of people are really afraid and sometimes they come, sometimes they don’t come and the harvest is lost because it cannot be harvested, so that’s why so much produce is lost.” This fear among workers is contributing to the loss of produce and the struggles farmers are facing.
The Feeling Among Farmers
Heather Walker asked, “What’s the feeling from farmers right now? How are you feeling?” Tony Dimare replied, “Not very good, to be honest with you.” And with the current policies on tariffs and immigration, Florida farmers are not planting a secure future.
Conclusion
The combination of tariffs and immigration changes is having a devastating impact on local farmers in South Florida. With crops rotting on the vine and farmers facing huge losses, the future of the farming industry looks uncertain. The fear among farm workers and the inability to compete with cheap imports from Mexico and other countries are major concerns. The government’s plans to impose an anti-dumping duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes may help, but it may not be enough to save the industry.
FAQs
- Q: What is causing the crisis among local farmers?
A: The crisis among local farmers is caused by a combination of tariffs imposed by the government and immigration changes that are affecting the availability of farm workers. - Q: How are tariffs affecting farmers?
A: Tariffs are causing thousands of acres of tomatoes to go to waste because the price to pick and pack them costs more than what the tomatoes are selling for. - Q: What is the impact of immigration changes on farmers?
A: Immigration changes are causing fear among farm workers, leading to a shortage of labor and contributing to the loss of produce. - Q: What is being done to address the issue?
A: The U.S. government has plans to put an anti-dumping duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes starting in July to try and prevent the flooding of the market with cheap imports. - Q: How can I help?
A: You can help by supporting local farmers and advocating for policies that support the farming industry. You can also contact your local representatives to express your concerns about the impact of tariffs and immigration changes on farmers.
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